Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Measure Z

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IV Rebuttal Argument Against Measure Z SEP 0 1 2016 City of Riverside City Cie, k's Office The City of Riverside's Measure Z is ae� neral tax that can be used for any purpose. The "Public Safety" title is very misleading. There is no legal requirement that fire and police get one penny! Taxes from Measure Z can be spent for "any governmental purpose" including: • Raising city salaries and benefits. Increasing revenues from Measure Z may result in automatic salary increases. • Building big, costly projects by borrowing against Measure Z. Riverside's mayor, council and city manager say a city jail, new city hall, new main library, and convention center expansion are needed. There's also no guarantee that Measure Z revenues will be used to reduce homelessness, fill potholes or fix any other problem. Riverside taxpayers are providing enough revenue already. City revenue is at an all-time high. In the last six years, the city's four main revenue sources have increased an average of 4% annually, two and a half times faster than inflation. Steady revenue increases are forecast for years. Riverside voters have shown their support for better city services by approving extra taxes for specific purposes like new fire stations and library operations. Unfortunately, many family incomes in Riverside have not recovered from the recession. Measure Z is the largest tax increase in city history. It goes too far. Vote NO to send a loud and clear message to City Hall that you want vital services protected and overspending stopped. The city must live within its means. Keep your taxes from being diverted for other purposes. Vote NO on the City of Riverside's Measure Z.