The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers (CST) is a non-partisan civic engagement organization focused on local government accountability, fiscal responsibility and transparency on behalf of Marin taxpayers across the political spectrum.

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers (CST) is a non-partisan civic engagement organization focused on local government accountability, fiscal responsibility and transparency on behalf of Marin taxpayers across the political spectrum.

OUR COALITION

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers (CST) is dedicated to keeping local taxes and fees on essential services fair and affordable for all of Marin. As the Taxpayers’ Voice, we work with the county, city and towns, school boards, and special districts to guide them on how to make necessary tax and spending proposals fair, affordable, and transparent.

In past elections we have supported taxes that were truly necessary and met our criteria and opposed those that did not. We led a successful effort that defeated a $1.04 billion Tam Union High School tax in the 2024 Primary. In 2020, CST’s insistence on accountability safeguards were key to passage of a County Wildfire Prevention Tax that we endorsed and has made our community safer.

CST EVALUATES

CST pioneered a framework for evaluating tax proposals, our Sensible Tax Criteria. In 2024, we collaborated with civic leaders in developing Bond Measure Guidelines. Many agencies and districts now consider these criteria when developing tax measures. We endorse candidates who share our values.

CST INVESTIGATES

CST scrutinizes the financial reports and forecasts of local agencies and districts, especially when there are concerns about fiscal responsibility, transparency, or compliance with the law. CST serves on many Citizen Oversight Committees throughout Marin.

CST INFORMS

CST keeps the community informed through nonpartisan public forums and webinars about upcoming elections and pressing issues. Marin IJ political columnist Dick Spotswood is frequently an impartial moderator of CST events featuring competing candidates.

Oak Hill Workforce Housing Guarantor Proposal Imperils School Districts’ Future

March 16, 2025

CST recently reached out to trustees and leadership at Marin County’s K-12 and community college districts to share the urgent letter below alerting them about the latest Oak Hill Workforce Housing proposal, which will make participating school districts responsible for rental property income shortfalls. This imperils schools’ financial future.

From the Marin IJ: Marin worker housing plan faces budget shortfall

February 22, 2025

This article, written by Richard Halstead, was published by the Marin Independent Journal on February 17, 2025

An effort to build housing for educators and county workers in Marin has a $17.4 million budget shortfall.

A plan has been floated to close the gap by having the county and school districts guarantee the rental income of the apartments in order to lower the interest rates on bonds to finance the project.

Measure E Tax Calculator

Ross Valley School District is proposing a new parcel tax based on the size of your house. The initial rate would be $.52 per square foot, and increase 3% per year. The tax would expire in nine years.

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Tax and Fee Exemptions & Discounts

Learn how to apply for exemptions and discounts on an array of Marin add-on property taxes and agency fees as well as rates on essential services for Seniors Low & Middle Income People with Disabilities & Medical Conditions.

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