Measure S Oversight Committee

Role of Committee

The Measure S Oversight Committee is a new independent citizen’s committee comprised of five (5) residents to oversee the receipt and expenditure of the 1/4-cent sales tax revenue.

Its charge is to review information on the amount of tax generated and how it is used, and to make recommendations to the San Mateo City Council on the use of the tax revenue. The new Measure S Oversight Committee will provide strict fiscal accountability for how funds are spent.

Use of Funds


Taxes levied through Measure S can only be used locally in San Mateo City. It is a general tax, meaning the revenue can be used for any municipal governmental purpose. However, no other governmental agency can appropriate these funds. For instance, funds may be used to repair City infrastructure, help improve the City's streets, continue emergency medical services and police protection services, maintain senior and children services, library services, public works, and parks and recreation services. The measure does not bind the City to use the proceeds of the tax for any particular services, facilities, or programs.

Current Members are:

  • Naomi Chin-Fuen Hsu
  • Thomas Morgan
  • Vince Siminitus
  • Vacant
  • Vacant

Meeting Information


Date: Third Thursday of February, May, August, and November
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room C

View Agendas, Administrative Reports, and Minutes

Background

November 3, 2015 

 San Mateo voters approved Measure S, authorizing the continuation of a 1/4-cent sales tax for 30 years, or until March 31, 2048.The tax was designed as a general tax, with revenue deposited into the general fund to be used for any government purpose.

July 20, 2015  

After much discussion with the community, the San Mateo City Council unanimously agreed to place Measure S on the November 3, 2015 ballot to extend the City's authority to levy the 1/4-cent tax on sales (technically referred to as a transactions and use tax). State law authorizes the City of San Mateo to extend the authority to levy following approval by two-thirds of the City Council and a majority of the voters voting in an election on that issue.

June 11, 2015

  The San Mateo City Council adopted a balanced budget, in part by utilizing voter-enacted, locally-controlled funding. The City also conducted a citywide assessment of infrastructure needs, which identified nearly $360 million dollars in unfunded projects, such as repairing failed streets and potholes, that were not being addressed.

2009  

This quarter-cent sales tax was originally approved by voters in 2009 under the name Measure L and was set to expire on March 31, 2018. Measure S kept the total sales tax rate in the City at 9.25% - 7.5% mandated by the state, a 1.5% county tax and the City’s 0.25% tax.