Improving Student Outcomes Should Be Job 1 at Tam Union

Improving Student Outcomes
Should Be Job 1 at Tam Union
CO$T Urges TUSHD

Implement Merit Based Superintendent Pay

Pause Spending on Projects
that Aren’t Yet Voter-Approved

Trim Plans for 2024 Bond Measure
Costing Taxpayers Over $1 Billion
At its August 8 meeting, Tamalpais Union High School District’s trustees are set to approve a new 3-year contract and an 8-year salary schedule for the district’s superintendent, Dr. Tara Taupier.  Base salary in the current year (step 2) would start at $286,633, reaching $342,255 in step year 8 “provided she has earned an overall satisfactory annual evaluation.”  In recent years Taupier’s total compensation was boosted another 31% by pension and healthcare benefits and “other income”.  This suggests that under the proposed salary schedule Taupier’s total compensation will be around $375,00 in the current school year and $448,000 in the final year.

CO$T believes that school superintendents’ long-term pay trajectory should be tied to meeting specific performance targets, consistent with sound management practices.

The learning and opportunity gap between socio-economically advantaged whites and other students is significant at TUHSD (which includes Redwood, Tamalpais and Archie Williams high schools).  This shows up in a variety of metrics shown on pages 9-22 of the district’s 2023  LCAP  (an annual document filing required by the state).    Recent years’ trends are not encouraging.  Meaningful progress on closing the achievement gap would be a very worthy goal.

Meanwhile,  the district has moved unrestricted dollars (that could be used for teaching and student support) to its capital fund to pay for advance work on a major overhaul of the district’s facilities.  Tam Union trustees already approved  spending $5 million for architects and $422,00 for a solar project consultant.  This money is being spent in advance of Tam Union District voters deciding whether to tax themselves over $1 billion to fund the projects and bond interest. That’s a heck of a lot of money.  If voters reject the proposed March 2024 bond measure,  the money spent on architects, consultants and the like can’t be recovered and used to bolster student  outcomes.

TUHSD’s polling (paid for with our tax dollars to test which promises and arguments maximize voter support) shows that voters may pass the tax measure by a small margin IF the ballot language prominently features capital projects that update science and computer labs and fix leaky roofs. In fact, one of the two most expensive projects using the bond measure proceeds replaces the cafeteria at Redwood for $42 million.

CO$T urges TUHSD’s trustees to (1)Reject the proposed eight-year salary schedule until they can tie it to goals that improve student outcomes and (2)Cease approving new contracts, cost overruns and other payments related to capital projects until the bond measure is approved by voters (3)Downsize the contemplated bond measure and refocus it on projects most likely to improve student outcomes and preparedness for post high school endeavors.

MMWD & CO$T Settle Water Rate Lawsuit

Joint Statement by Marin Water and the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers (CO$T)
For Release – May 4, 2023

Marin Municipal Water District and the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers (CO$T) and other individually named plaintiffs have reached a settlement in the 2019 case of the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers., et al v. Marin Municipal Water District. The agreement settles a lawsuit over water rates that Marin Water adopted in 2019. Both sides agree it is prudent to move forward for the benefit of all Marin Water customers.

The dispute centered on certain fixed fees in customers’ water bills that vary according to the size of their water meters. CO$T alleged that the Watershed Management Fee and the Capital Maintenance Fee in the 2019-2023 fixed fee schedule were not compliant with the law’s requirement that water charges be proportional to the cost of service. Marin Water disputed that claim and maintains that these charges were legally adopted and complied with Proposition 218.

The settlement will only become effective if the Marin Water Board of Directors adopts certain modifications to its Watershed Management Fee and its Capital Maintenance Fee, which are being considered as part of its current rate-setting process. Marin Water staff and its rate consultant are proposing changes to the fixed fees to better reflect customer demand and to help reduce the burden of fixed fees on low water users, which presents an opportunity to improve the District’s rate structure and address issues of concern to CO$T.

Marin Water is in the process of completing its proposal for the next four-year rate cycle effective July 1, 2023, for which it will be mailing notices and holding a public hearing in May 2023, as required under Proposition 218. As part of this rate proposal, Marin Water would cease to charge fixed fees to single-family and duplex residential customers using the disputed meter-size factors. If the new rates are adopted as proposed, Marin Water would assess its Capital Maintenance Fee and Base Service Charge Fee (both fixed fees) using new factors for single-family residential and duplexes that are more clearly tied to water usage. The fixed fees would comprise a declining percentage of aggregate customer bills over the 4-year rate period. Marin Water is also proposing to eliminate the meter-size-based fixed charge Watershed Management Fee and instead more closely tie this charge to each customer’s water usage.

Both sides agree this approach is fair, promotes conservation, and better ties individual customer bills to water usage, thereby addressing the central complaint of CO$T’s lawsuit. Settling the lawsuit in advance of the December 2023 trial date reduces the risk to both sides of an adverse legal decision and ongoing higher litigation costs.

CO$T and Marin Water recognize the need for the district to focus on increasing its investment in infrastructure, a more secure water supply, and wildfire mitigation work on the Mt. Tam Watershed – as well as rebuilding financial reserves. Resolving this lawsuit better positions Marin Water to pursue these important priorities and makes ratepayers more confident that their water bills will be fair and equitable.

Marin Municipal Water District Proposes New Rate Structure, Higher Rates

If you’re a customer of Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD), you should have received notice of proposed rates for the upcoming 4-year period (July 2023 through June 2027). California law requires that this notification be sent at least 45 days in advance of a public hearing on the new rates, which will occur on May 16. Under the rate proposal, most residents will see a big jump in water bills in 2023-24, with somewhat smaller increases in the next three years. These increases are needed to cover inflation, the beginning of investments to increase our water supply, rebuild financial reserves that were largely depleted by the prior board over the last two years, and also compensate for the lost revenue that has occurred due to customer conservation over the last two years.

MMWD’s proposal includes a significant shift in the rate structure vs what’s currently in place. We think it is more fair.

The new structure will rely less on big fixed service charges while charging more for actual water consumption. The cost per gallon will rise substantially in each usage tier; the water allowance in tier 1 will be lower; and the extra water allowance in tier 1 during summer months vs winter will be eliminated. Drought surcharges are also proposed, making water usage even more costly when reservoir levels drop.

Over the past four years, CO$T has been critical of MMWD’s over-reliance on fixed fees, which unfairly burden those who conserve.  We have advocated for water bills tied entirely to usage. We legally challenged the 2019-2023 fixed fee metric that wasn’t linked to water usage; this subsequently became a class action suit.

Under the current new proposal, MMWD’s meter-size-based fixed fee for watershed management will be eliminated. For the other two similar fixed charges (basic service fee plus capital maintenance fee), there will be less difference than currently in the amount paid by customers with different meter sizes. This is owing to a new fixed fee metric for 2023- 2027 that better reflects the extent to which larger meter customers use more water.
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What does this mean for you and your bill?

Your water bills will be increasing, but the exact amount (and percentage increase) depends heavily on your water usage and your meter size. To see what your bills will be, MMWD has a calculator on its website (click here , then scroll down to the “Rate Calculator”where you’ll be prompted to download an easy-to-use Excel model.)  A customer with a 5/8 inch meter, using 6 CCF in the winter and 18 CCF in the summer will see a full-year increase of 22% in year one; the bill in year 4 would be 56% higher than now.  A heavier water consumer (10 CCF in winter and 25 CCF in summer) will see a full-year increase of 36% in year one, with year four 78% higher than currently.

Why Does MMWD Need to Raise Rates So Much?

The increase for this rate cycle is necessary to allow MMWD to avert insolvency, restore financial stability, address capital project backlogs, and begin to address our need for larger water supplies.What can you do to control your bill?
The obvious answer is to reduce water usage. In addition, you should check to see if you are eligible for one of MMWD’s discount programs. These programs include:

  • Low/moderate income discount (for those with up to 80% of Marin’s median income.)
  • Capital Maintenance Fee discount (if you have a 1″ or larger meter due to a fire sprinkler system.)
  • Medical Discount program (if you have medical equipment that requires extra water)

Check here to learn more about these discount programs.

How to Object to this Proposal: File a Formal Protest

MMWD’s rates aren’t subject to a popular vote because water is an essential service. But the law provides for a rate proposal to be rejected IF, before the end of the May 16 prop 218 rate hearing, a majority of ratepayers file valid formal complaints. This rarely succeeds because the hurdle is high. To learn how to file a valid protest, click here , then scroll down to “How do I object to the proposed rates” in the Frequently Asked Questions section.What Happens at the Important May 16 Rate Hearing
The May 16 hearing is an opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate structure and rationale. The public may comment in-person or remotely. MMWD will announce the number of formal protests received. The board can consider reducing, but not increasing, the proposed rates. At the close of the evening the board votes on a rate approval motion. Click here for information on how to attend.)The Bottom Line
MMWD proposed rate increase is necessary, though if will painful for many residents.  Changes in the rate structure will give customers who conserve more control over their water bill.  The rating scheme is fairer, as it reduces the excessively high fixed charges for homes with larger meters.  With the cost of water itself rising sharply, consumers should be aware of their own water usage and calculate what cost increases to expect.  And they should check to see if they are eligible for any of MMWD’s discount programs.  If you object to the rate proposal, file a formal protest exactly.  Finally,  customers can attend (or call in) to the May 16 meeting where the public can comment on the proposed rates before the board votes 

YOU May Qualify for Tax & Fee Exemptions & Discounts Senior, Low and Moderate Income, Disabled & Medical

Tax and Fee Exemptions & Discounts for Seniors Low & Middle Income People with Disabilities & Medical Conditions MMWD & PGE Customers Who are Overpaying

APPLY NOW! Filing Deadlines Soon!

Beware: You May Need to Reapply Each Year
Don’t Miss Future Alerts Like This!

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Because so many tax- and rate-payers miss out on cost-saving opportunities for which they may qualify, CO$T distributes this informational bulletin to Marin County taxpayer-voters each spring, updated to include new discounts and exemptions as well as increased thresholds for income-based exemptions and discounts.
Please read this entire post! You may be surprised to find you are eligible to pay less!

Time is short to submit applications for exemptions and discounts on an array of Marin add-on property taxes and agency fees as well as rates on essential services such as water and sewer. Residents who may qualify include those who are seniors, disabled, have low to MODERATE income, have larger families, and have special circumstances (e.g., medical conditions that require extra water or electricity).Many Marin individuals and families who consider themselves middle-class qualify for “low income” discounts: Income cutoffs are often at 80% of Marin’s median or the even more generous income levels used by HUD to determine eligibility for housing assistance. All income-based discounts have upward adjustments for family size.


Several agencies also provide financial incentives that are unrelated to income.
We tell you below how to find out which of the taxes, fees, and rates you pay offer exemptions and discounts, how and when to apply, and how to determine if you qualify.

HOW TO FIND OUT WHICH ENTITIES OFFER EXEMPTIONS AND DISCOUNTS

Marin County’s Property Tax Exemption webpage has a full list of the agencies whose taxes are collected via property tax bills and may offer discounts/exemptions. (Certain agencies, e.g., water, send a bill to the property owner or renter directly and offer discounts, some of which we describe further down this page.)

If you enter your parcel number in the box on the county’s exemption page, the website pulls up a list of all the agencies that bill YOU through your property tax bill. The list also identifies the specific agencies on your tax bill that offer exemptions. For each one, there is a telephone number for more details regarding the criteria and deadlines; in many instances, there is a hotlink to the application form.

BIG POTENTIAL SAVINGS ON SCHOOL PARCEL TAXES: Most school districts offer parcel tax exemptions for ALL seniors 65 and older; some offer exemptions for low-income and disabled taxpayers as well. On the county’s exemption page for your tax bill (see above), you’ll find that school parcel taxes are the largest exemptions and discounts available. Some school districts have exemption application deadlines around May 1 so you may need to act quickly. School income- and disability-based discounts require annual filing. School parcel tax exemptions for seniors need only be applied for once, though you may need to file a new application if the person listed on your tax bill changes. Read your tax bill (or tax exemption page) carefully. You are likely paying school parcel taxes to multiple districts (e.g., K-8 and high school). If so, you must file separate exemption applications for each district to maximize your savings. Note that CA law doesn’t permit school bond tax measures to offer senior exemptions or discounts, an important fact about which many taxpayer-voters are unaware.
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Mark your calendar! Reapply annually for any expiring exemptions!
Several non-school discounts and exemptions are available, most of which require annual refiling or verification. Listed below are some of the more financially significant ones offered.

There is a low-income senior exemption (65+) for the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority parcel tax. YOU MUST REAPPLY EVERY YEAR to reconfirm proof of income level. Your application must be postmarked by June 30. Learn how to apply here. Don’t assume you are ineligible! Many middle-income households qualify. The latest posted income limit (updated annually) is $104,400 for a 1-person household; $119,300 for two people; $134,200 for three; $149,100 for four; and $161,050 for five; these limits are typically increased in early summer. This tax is assessed on building square footage. To ensure you’re not being overcharged, you should also verify that the official records show that the square footage of your property is accurate. If not, contact the Assessor’s office.

Note that some agencies such as the MWPA do not acknowledge receipt or approval of your exemption/discount application. Consequently, you should keep proof of all your exemption/discount applications and then carefully review your tax bill AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE IT. If you can prove that your valid application was not reflected on your tax bill, immediately contact the agency to ask for an adjustment. Advocating on behalf of taxpayers, CO$T is urging agencies to acknowledge receipt of each application and inform the taxpayer in writing whether it has been approved.
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Marin Municipal Water District has several water bill discount programs listed here that are based on income, certain medical conditions, or having internal fire suppression sprinklers. Most people are unaware of MMWD’s generous income-based fee waiver program, which is open to every household that qualifies (not just seniors). Both meter-size-based charges on your water bill — totaling hundreds of dollars annually — are completely waived from the bills of qualifying families. Here are the income caps as of July 2023: $83,280 for a one-person household; $95,160 for 2; $107,040 for 3; $118,920 for 4; and increasing stepwise up to $157,000 for 8. Those caps will be raised and posted on MMWD’s website when the HUD data on which they are based is released in mid-May.
In response to customer complaints about its sizeable fixed fees tied to the diameter of the customer’s meter (incoming pipe), MMWD is also telling customers that they can save money by swapping out residential meters that are over 5/8″ in size. (Check your water bill for your meter size.) The charges for meter downsizing are listed in item 1.2 in the district’s rate/fee schedule. Make sure you ask what it will cost if you have to re-upsize, if, for example, you have to install interior fire suppression sprinklers. For more information, call MMWD at 415-945-1400 or email customerservice@marinwater.org

All residential customers who have interior fire suppression sprinklers are eligible for lower meter-size-based charges if they apply for MMWD’s capital maintenance fee reduction program.

In addition, there are many rebate programs related to water efficiency product purchases.

More Cost-Saving Opportunities Below

A variety of discounts and exemptions are offered by other agencies that may be on your property tax bill or may be billing you directly. Some are only available to seniors. Some use a “very low income” standard, meaning not as many customers qualify as do under the “low-income” standard used by MWPA. The most sizeable of these miscellaneous discounts and exemptions are those offered by water and sanitation districts.

Ross Valley Sanitary District

offers a low-income sewer charge assistance program with generous income thresholds similar to those of MWPA. Many moderate-income home and condo owners may be surprised to learn they qualify for a 25% discount on the RVSD sewer charge fee that appears on the tax bill. Apply before the June 30 deadline!

Novato and Mill Valley Sanitary Districts

offer a low-income sewer charge assistance program for those who have enrolled in PG&E’s CARE Program (which has much lower income caps than those used by RVSD, MMWD, and MWPA). Qualifying single-family residences receive a 10-15% discount from Novato Sanitary on their sewer tax; City of Mill Valley’s sewer discount is 25%.

Other Sewer / Sanitation Districts.

There are many other sanitation districts in Marin. Check with your local agency for discounts. Also, several sanitary agencies offer financial assistance with sewer lateral expenses.

North Marin Water District

offers a low-income discount of $15 monthly for applicants who are enrolled in PGE’s Care Program.

Stinson Beach County Water District

has a low-income discount program. For more information and a copy of the form call 415-868-1333.

Mill Valley Municipal Services Tax

– Low-income seniors are exempt. For more information and a copy of the form, call 415-384-4800 or email publicworks@cityofmillvalley.org

San Anselmo Municipal Services and library parcel tax

– There is an exemption for families who qualify for PG&E CARE Program. Please call 415-258-4678 to request an application.

Library taxes – Many libraries in Marin are part of the Marin County Free Library system, which offers a senior exemption that must be renewed annually by June 1. Some other libraries also offer library parcel tax exemptions.

There are several other exemptions and discounts not listed here.

Check the county exemption website to ensure you know about all of them. We are not responsible for any omissions or errors in this public service message.

You CAN lower your PG&E bill. Here’s how!

First, look into the several low-income discount programs PG&E offers. Second, learn about how the time-of-use plans impact you. PG&E automatically transitioned residential customers to the time-of-use plan back in 2021, which may have RAISED your bill unduly. You might achieve a lower bill if you change your habits: e.g., what time of day you use energy-intensive appliances. Or you may get a lower bill by changing your PG&E rate plan to the one that’s more cost-effective for your usage pattern. This is easy to do. Click here, then click the “compare rate plans now” button on the right side of the page to explore whether choosing a different rate plan will prevent a higher bill or lower what you’re already paying. Beware though, that your utility bill could change significantly in coming months owing to legislation that greenlighted the implementation of new fixed fees, which will be applied to the bills of everyone except those who are very low income.
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Mill Valley City Council Candidate Zoom Forum February 9 2023

Mill Valley City Council Candidate Forum
Zoom Q&A Webinar
7PM Thursday February 9

Featuring Both Candidates for an Open Council Seat:
Susan Gladwin and Caroline Joachim

Moderated by Dick Spotswood, Marin IJ Political Columnist
Doug Kelly, Master of Ceremonies and Time Keeper.
Organized and Hosted by CO$T

Mill Valley City Council Candidate Forum ZOOM Feb 9 2023

Register Here!

Mill Valley City Council Candidate Forum
Zoom Q&A Webinar
7PM Thursday February 9

Featuring Both Candidates for an Open Council Seat:
Susan Gladwin and Caroline Joachim

Moderated by Dick Spotswood, Marin IJ Political Columnist
Organized and Hosted by CO$T

Click here to Register!

CO$T Succeeds at its 2022 Top Priority Three New Marin Water Board Directors Elected in Landslide

CO$T’s Board thanks ALL of our supporters who contributed to the successful election of CO$T-endorsed candidates Matt Samson, Ranjiv Khush, and Jed Smith.  Thank you for supporting these superior candidates with your votes, yard signs, letters to the editor, campaign donations,  knocking on doors, talking with your neighbors, social media posts, and so much more.  Democracy is alive and well in Marin!

The major significance of the Marin Water Board election victory by three impressive newcomers was the topic of a November 13 Marin IJ column by Dick Spotswood, Marin’s highly regarded opinion columnist.  This is a great read, not just because of the positive publicity for CO$T.  This one-minute read, reprinted below, is worth your time!

 

Dick Spotswood: Voters just gave everyone at MMWD a clear message

[From the Marin IJ article]

“All candidates sought endorsements from community-based organizations and leaders to give them credibility.

In the water board elections, support from Marin’s CO$T, the Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers, turned out to be decisive. CO$T’s goal was targeted: encourage new candidates who will aggressively advocate for innovative water sources at a reasonable price
 

It’s not just that the candidates on their slate, Khush, Samson and Smith, all won. CO$T was involved early in recruiting them to enter the contest. Rep. Jared Huffman was separately involved in convincing venture capitalist and environmentalist Smith to jump into the race. Conversely, the vaunted Sierra Club endorsement failed to deliver for its endorsees, Bragman and Gibson.”

San Anselmo Town Council Debate on TV THIS THURSDAY

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers hosts a
San Anselmo Town Council Candidate Debate

Date: Thursday, October 20th

All four candidates will attend
~ Guy Meyer ~ Tarrell Kullaway ~ Ford Greene ~ Steve Burdo ~

The debate ise moderated by Marin IJ Columnist Dick Spotswood.

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers invites you to an MMWD Candidates Zoom Forum

4-5:30pm | Monday, October 10

Register Now Here

November 2022 is the most important Marin Water board election in a generation. The District faces critical decisions after narrowly escaping running out of water in June 2022 (the subject of a June 2022 Marin Civil Grand Jury report). CO$T is hosting an impartially-moderated MMWD Candidate Zoom webinar that provides an outstanding opportunity to learn about the candidates vying for seats on the District board. Three of the five director seats are up for grabs.

The outcome of this election has very important implications for the future of Marin’s water supply, policy and rates, as well as the management of the watershed (with implications for biodiversity, wildfire, and recreation). This impartial forum is moderated by the Marin IJ’s political columnist, Dick Spotswood, with the Marin Coalition’s Scott Pinsky helping select questions. Attendees may submit questions when they register and during the forum. The webinar will proceed in by division. Candidates participating in the webinar and the rough timeline is as follows:

Jack Gibson & Matt Samson – Division I
(Sleepy Hollow; North San Rafael)
4:00-4:30PM approximately

Larry Bragman, Jack Kenney & Ranjiv Khush – Division III
(Ross Valley)
4:30-5:15PM approximately

Jed Smith – Division IV (Mill Valley; Sausalito)
Shana Katzman declined our invitation
5:15-5:30PM approximately

Find out in which Division you live: Division Map

Be smart! This election is important!
Get educated before you vote.

SIGN UP NOW to RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Learn the Candidates’ Plans to
Address Key Decisions Facing MMWD

Drought & Sufficient Water Supply
Wildfire & Vegetation Management
Affordable Rates
Aging Infrastructure
Recreational Access
Biodiversity & Species Protection

Assess Whether Their Plans Align with Yours!

CO$T Endorses Samson, Khush & Smith: Change Candidates for Marin Water Board

POSITIVE CHANGE COMING TO MMWD IF YOU HELP

Great news! There are THREE outstanding new candidates running for seats on the Marin Municipal Water District board: Matt Samson (geographic division I), Ranjiv Khush (III), and Jed Smith (IV). Electing them should lead to decisive action on water supply planning, improved financial management, and a much stronger focus on disaster preparedness.

CO$T is enthusiastically supporting Samson, Khush and Smith. Each brings something important that is new and necessary to MMWD. They are not a slate. But all three are stepping up because MMWD is woefully unprepared for severe drought. That is the conclusion of a June 2022 Marin Civil Grand Jury report critical of the current MMWD board’s inaction. Each of these new candidates has strong community support and endorsements from many local leaders. That’s an important validation of their caliber and the widely recognized need for change at MMWD.

If you live in MMWD territory, the election outcome affects you. Even if your MMWD representative’s seat is not up for grabs this year, you should get involved. Donate! Volunteer to knock on doors, host or attend a gathering, place lawn signs, write letters, or anything else that helps! To learn more, get regular updates, and/or sign up to help, please visit the candidates’ websites below. You may also email us at info@costmarin.org for more information as well as ideas about how you can help.

The 3 candidates we’re excited about are:

(click their names to open their websites)

Matt Samson – Division I

– As a Deputy Fire Chief, Matt knows that thorough preparation and decisive action prevents bad outcomes. Having lived most of his life in Terra Linda – where his two young daughters are now growing up – Matt is committed to better securing our water supply and the fire-resilience of our watershed. He’s a quick study, digs deep, and will ensure we have sufficient water for current and future generations. Matt is running against 28-year incumbent Jack Gibson. The division includes Sleepy Hollow, Terra Linda, Lucas Valley, Marinwood, Dominican, Civic Center, and Santa Venetia.

Ranjiv Khush – Division III

– PhD water scientist Ranjiv founded a nonprofit that brings clean water and sanitation to the developing world. When Marin Water was on track to run dry, Ranjiv recognized this was the result of a water planning failure that he could help address as a Director. Ranjiv’s expertise will help ensure an ample water supply in the face of drought and climate change and that any decisions carefully weigh the environmental and financial costs. The division – currently represented by 8 year incumbent, lawyer Larry Bragman – includes San Geronimo, Fairfax, Ross, San Anselmo, Kentfield, and parts of Greenbrae/Larkspur.

Jed Smith – Division IV

– Jed’s election would bring valuable – and much-needed – financial and organizational expertise to MMWD. Jed has a successful track record leading companies and nonprofits, many larger and more complex than our water district. Jed will make sure our money is spent wisely and the District makes the right long-term investments in our water supply, infrastructure, and watershed. Division IV includes Mill Valley and Sausalito. There is one other new candidate for this open seat (long-tenured incumbent Cynthia Koehler not running).

If you’re unsure which division applies to you

click here to search by address

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers invites you to an Assembly Candidates Zoom Forum 12 pm | Thursday, September 29 

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers invites you to an
Assembly Candidates Zoom Forum

12 pm | Thursday, September 29

Register Now -Here

This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the two candidates on the November 2022 ballot who are vying to represent District 10 — Marin and southern Sonoma — in the California State Assembly. Current Marin Supervisor Damon Connolly and California Coastal Commissioner Sara Aminzadeh are in a runoff, having finished as the top two vote-getters in the June 2022 primary. This impartial forum is moderated by the Marin IJ’s political columnist, Dick Spotswood. Attendees may submit questions when they register and during the forum.

Be smart! Get educated before you vote.

This is a too close to call election, thanks to current Assembly Member Marc Levine’s retirement. Whoever wins might serve for up to 12 years, given the power of incumbency and California law allowing Assembly Members to serve up to 6 two-year terms.

SIGN UP NOW to RESERVE YOUR SPOT Here

Learn the Candidates’ Plans to
Address Key Challenges Facing California

Housing
Homelessness
Wildfire
Cost of Living
Environment & Climate Change
Business Environment
Transportation
Equity
Public Health and Safety

Assess Whether Their Plans Align with Yours!

POSITIVE CHANGE COMING TO MMWD IF YOU HELP

POSITIVE CHANGE COMING TO MMWD
IF YOU HELP
Great news!  There are THREE outstanding new candidates running for seats on the Marin Municipal Water District board: Matt Samson (geographic division I), Ranjiv Khush (III), and Jed Smith (IV).  Electing them should lead to decisive action on water supply planning, improved financial management, and a much stronger focus on disaster preparedness.

CO$T is enthusiastically supporting Samson, Khush and Smith.  Each brings something important that is new and necessary to MMWD.  They are not a slate.  But all three are stepping up because MMWD is woefully unprepared for severe drought.  That is the conclusion of a June 2022 Marin Civil Grand Jury report critical of the current MMWD board’s inaction.   Each of these new candidates has strong community support and endorsements from many local leaders.  That’s an important validation of their caliber and the widely recognized need for change at MMWD.

If you live in MMWD territory, the election outcome affects you.  Even if your MMWD representative’s seat is not up for grabs this year, you should get involved.   Donate! Volunteer to knock on doors, host or attend a gathering, place lawn signs, write letters, or anything else that helps!  To learn more, get regular updates, and/or sign up to help, please visit the candidates’ websites below.  You may also email us at info@costmarin.org for more information as well as ideas about how you can help.

The 3 candidates we’re excited about are:
  • Matt Samson – Division I – As a Deputy Fire Chief, Matt knows that thorough preparation and decisive action prevents bad outcomes. Having lived most of his life in Terra Linda – where his two young daughters are now growing up – Matt is committed to better securing our water supply and the fire-resilience of our watershed. He’s a quick study, digs deep, and will ensure we have sufficient water for current and future generations. Matt is running against 28-year incumbent Jack Gibson. The division includes Sleepy Hollow, Terra Linda, Lucas Valley, Marinwood, Dominican, Civic Center, and Santa Venetia. To learn more and get involved, click the button below.
Matt Samson – Division I
  • Ranjiv Khush – Division III –  PhD water scientist Ranjiv founded a nonprofit that brings clean water and sanitation to the developing world.  When Marin Water was on track to run dry, Ranjiv recognized this was the result of a water planning failure that he could help address as a Director.  Ranjiv’s expertise will help ensure an ample water supply in the face of drought and climate change and that any decisions carefully weigh the environmental and financial costs.  The division – currently represented by 8 year incumbent, lawyer Larry Bragman – includes San Geronimo, Fairfax, Ross, San Anselmo, Kentfield, and parts of Greenbrae/Larkspur. To learn more and get involved, click the button below.
Ranjiv Khush – Division III
  • Jed Smith – Division IV – Jed’s election would bring valuable – and much-needed – financial and organizational expertise to MMWD. Jed has a successful track record leading companies and nonprofits, many larger and more complex than our water district. Jed will make sure our money is spent wisely and the District makes the right long-term investments in our water supply, infrastructure, and watershed. Division IV includes Mill Valley and Sausalito. There is one other new candidate for this open seat (long-tenured incumbent Cynthia Koehler not running). To learn more and get involved, click the button below.
Jed Smith – Division IV
If you’re unsure which division applies to you,
click the map to search by address

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TWO Special Q&A Zoom Candidate Forums

Check out Marin’s Supervisor Candidates

CST is Hosting TWO Special Q&A Zoom Candidate Forums Moderated by Marin IJ’s Dick Spotswood
Non-partisan Free Event | Open to the Public

Thursday, April 21, 6:30PM – 7:45PM, San Rafael

District 1 Candidates
Gina Daly
Mary Sackett
(George Saribalis unable to attend)

REGISTER HERE FOR SAN RAFAEL – DISTRICT 1 ZOOM Q&A

Monday, April 25, 6:30PM – 7:45PM, Novato

District 5 Candidates
Eric Lucan
Colin Medalie
Kevin Morrison
Jason Sarris

REGISTER HERE FOR NOVATO – DISTRICT 5 ZOOM Q&A

Why to Attend These Two Voter Education Events
For the 1st time in many years, there’s NO incumbent running for TWO of Marin’s 5 Supervisor Seats. Get Educated! Ask Questions! The Outcome of this Important June Supervisor Election Affects EVERY Marin Resident.

– Learn about the Candidates’ Top Priorities!
– Ask How the Candidates Will Keep local taxes & fees affordable
– Represent YOU, rather than Special Interests
– Address Hot Button Issues such as Housing, Homelessness, Drought, Wildfire, Marin’s Environment

Your Contribution Funds These Valuable Community Events

Click Here to Donate to CO$T via PayPal or Credit Card

COST’s Focus Issues for 2022:

CO$T’s Focus Issues for 2022:

WATER, FIRE, FAIRNESS

…and Expertise

WATER, water, nowhere.  It’s time for change.

Entering the third consecutive drought year without a water sufficiency plan approved by MMWD’s Directors, it’s clearly past time to elect new ones.  All three incumbents up for election in November will face strong challengers.  The first of these to emerge is Ranjiv Khush, running for the Ross Valley seat currently occupied by Larry Bragman.  We need all hands on deck throughout the ENTIRE water district to elect challenger candidates.  Please contact us to find out how you can help.  

Meanwhile, our elected “representatives” on MMWD’s board continue to postpone any significant decisions on improving water supply. They appear to be running out the clock until after the November 2022 election. The board recently commissioned yet another expensive study of water supply options at a cost of over $400,000,  even though none of the options have changed much since the last, very expensive study in 2017.  Additionally, Directors chose not to go on record with a vote  either for or against staff’s strong recommendation to place —  on the June ballot 2022 for voter approval — a measure to repeal 2010’s Measure S.  (Measure S requires district voters’ approval before MMWD can invest in desal.)  By ducking a vote on the issue, MMWD directors ensured a significant additional time delay and expense before moving forward with desal if it is urgently needed or becomes a viable part of a long-term water portfolio. This leaves the district less able to react to a drought emergency by considering temporary desal (renting floating desal barges to ensure an uninterrupted water supply).  CO$T has no position on desal per se but believes Directors must construct a robust long-term water supply portfolio using a disciplined set of criteria such as cost, environmental impact, feasibility, impact on our total water supply, timeframe, etc.

We’ll keep you posted about upcoming candidate forums and “meet the candidate” events.

Meanwhile, CO$T recently won an important ruling in its lawsuit against MMWD. In January, the Marin County Superior Court ordered that MMWD must comply with discovery requests from CO$T on behalf of ratepayers in our lawsuit contesting what we believe are illegal rates. For over two years, MMWD has stonewalled our requests for documents that CO$T’s attorneys believe will prove that the portion of MMWD’s current rate structure that’s tied to the size of individual customer’s meter (incoming pipe diameter) is unfair and arbitrary. In response to the judge’s order to release the documents, MMWD’s board voted to fund an appeal of this ruling..  This is a TRANSPARENCY issue, a  FAIRNESS issue, and a water supply issue.  Why should our local water agency hide its decision-making data from ratepayers – some of whom may be seriously wronged by an arbitrary rate structure – and spend OUR money to do so? Charging based on meter size (not actual water use) is both illegal and, effectively, anti-conservation,.
Support CO$T by Donating

FIRE & FAIRNESS

Marin County Parks’ and Open Space Measure A, One-Quarter Cent Sales Tax Renewal, will be on the ballot in June 2022.  CO$T has been an ongoing, strong advocate for reducing the local risk of wildfire through more robust and fiscally-efficient public spending on removing excess fire-prone vegetation.  Working in concert with local city council members, fire professionals, county Parks staff and county supervisors, CO$T successfully negotiated improvements in the Measure A renewal ballot language. The final proposal features increased funding for Open Space fire fuel reduction and specific language ensuring that the money be spent on fire fuel reduction crews. Without this, CO$T was prepared to oppose renewal of the tax measure that helps fund County Parks, Open Space, City Parks, and agricultural grants on private landowners in west Marin. The improvements we achieved, though significantly less than we had hoped for in total funding, should result in more fire fuel reduction on Open Space acreage where fire professionals fear that a wildfire could escape into Marin communities.

Nonetheless, CO$T continues to have reservations about Measure A, and as such leave it up to voters to decide for themselves whether to support the tax renewal.   

Our reservations are:
(1) CO$T opposes sales taxes in general as unfairly regressive;
(2)CO$T, Marin County Fire Chiefs, and the public at large have all wanted a larger percentage of measure A funds devoted to fire prevention spending;
(3) We are dismayed that Measure A commits a much larger dollar amount in grants to private agricultural landowners on whose land taxpayers aren’t welcome. This is a real issue of fairness and equity that violates CO$T’s Sensible Tax Criteria.

EXPERTISE; Help Wanted, Brain Trust, and an Important Passing

CO$T is building out its team so we can meet the growing demands for our involvement in local watchdog, oversight, and taxpayer issues.

We need volunteers to monitor local agency meeting agendas.  If you value our work, please step up to help in this small but vital way.  Contact us!  Monitoring the agendas for one local city council, school board or agency takes less than one hour per month and does not require specialized skills.  Just read the agenda, skim the staff reports, and give us the heads up as to whether there’s something that CO$T needs to take a look at.  Without this help, things slip by that could benefit from our attention.

CO$T Brain Trust – Coming Soon! Join our Team! CO$T will soon be unveiling our new Brain Trust, a cadre of experts contributing their time and skills to discrete projects.  Brain Trust members are folks who have specialized expertise (e.g., financial analysis, technology and web skills, legal, etc.) or a passion for a particular topic/issue (e.g., tax and rate fairness, water, fire, transportation, transparency).  Join our impressive group of community leaders who have already committed.  This is a great way for talented individuals to contribute a moderate amount of time and make a huge difference. Contact us today to learn more!
The Passing of a Lion

We are very sad to announce the death of CO$T Director and former Treasurer, Paul Premo.  Paul was a founding member of our organization before we had a name or a firm idea of what CO$T would grow up to be. Paul put his exceptionally sharp mind to good use, focusing us on the most important issues. He was a wise counselor and also helped with the heavy lifting of our ongoing activities. We counted on Paul to dig deep into numbers and ask sharp questions. He did this with inimitable tact, earning tremendous respect from elected officials and staff. With an MIT Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Paul could do complex calculations in his head, including important ones related to pension funding. His financial analysis brought fiscal and policy issues into sharp, understandable focus.  He served in leadership roles for Chevron Retirees Association leadership and was for several years a Core Group member of Marin’s Citizens for Sustainable Pension Plans.

Paul was particularly engaged by issues of accountability, integrity, fairness and transparency.  He served on Marin’s Civil Grand Jury as Foreperson Pro-Tem. Representing CO$T and local taxpayers, he was a key member of Citizen Oversight Committees for the Transportation Authority of Marin and College of Marin tax measures.

We at CO$T miss Paul deeply. Paul is irreplaceable. He leaves a huge hole in our hearts and on our board.

1st MMWD Challenger Candidate RANJIV KHUSH

1st MMWD Challenger Candidate
RANJIV KHUSH
Vows Broader Water Portfolio

In a column criticizing current MMWD Directors’ repeated delays in addressing Marin’s water insecurity, Marin’s political columnist Dick Spotswood revealed that a pragmatic water scientist, Ranjiv Khush, will be challenging two-term incumbent Larry Bragman for the seat representing the Ross Valley (Division III).

If you live ANYWHERE in MMWD territory
This election affects you.

GET INVOLVED!
CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE AT MMWD

Effecting positive change at MMWD continues to be a major focus for CO$T. YOUR help will make a difference in getting better representation and reliable water. Contact us ASAP to explore how your skills, volunteer time, or donation to a candidate’s campaign can be put to the best use. Please consider also a donation to CO$T to help cover our ongoing expenses.

A Legal and Transparency Win for CO$T in its Suit against MMWD

“A Legal and Transparency Win for CO$T in its Suit against MMWD”

“Judge orders MMWD to provide key records that CO$T’s lawyers believe will help prove the district’s rate structure is unfair and illegal.”

Read the legal brief here.

CO$T urges residents of Southern and Central Marin to attend tonight’s Zoom meeting to learn about an important wildfire prevention project and voice your support.

Important Zoom Meeting

TONIGHT – March 10 – 6-8PM

Greater Ross Valley Fuel Break Project

CO$T urges residents of Southern and Central Marin to attend tonight’s Zoom meeting to learn about an important wildfire prevention project and voice your support. 

Using the best current vegetation management practices, the Greater Ross Valley Fuel Break project will help better protect our communities against wildfire in adjacent public lands and improve ecosystem health.  This vitally important project may face opposition from those who prefer that local public lands be largely left as is.

ATTEND, LEARN, SPEAK UP!

PUBLIC MEETING: 
Greater Ross Valley Shaded Fuel Break Project

Online Zoom Call
Thursday, March 10, 2022
6-8pm

Zoom Details:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86574142717
‍Meeting ID: 865 7414 2717
Passcode: 112339
One tap mobile
+16699009128,,86574142717# US (San Jose)

Learn more about vegetation management methods for wildfire protection and ask questions about the project’s components. Topics covered will include:

  • A description of the project, its goals, objectives, timeframe
  • Likely major grant support
  • Fuels management methods and monitoring
  • California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP) environmental review process

Public Meeting Announcement 03/10/22

Example of a shaded fuelbreak

This project is a collaboration of the Greater Ross Valley fire agencies (Marin County Fire Department, Ross Valley Fire Department, Kentfield Fire Protection District, and Central Marin Fire Department) and includes mapping, modeling, project design, collaboration with potential partner agencies, public outreach and community meetings, field surveys, and environmental compliance for a shaded fuel break that would be located directly adjacent to communities in the Greater Ross Valley. This project would reduce fire risk to several WUI communities and thousands of residents while improving forest and ecosystem health by reducing non-native plant cover. Future years would include phased implementation of recommended vegetation management activities along the shaded fuel break.  The meeting will include a full description of the project and its goals and objectives.
CO$T continues to play an important role in advancing wildfire preparedness and prevention in Marin as an urgent priority for taxpayer funds.  We helped shape the final version of 2020’s  Wildfire Prevention Tax Measure C by advancing provisions that make the agency lean, accountable, eligible for large grants, and motivated to act expeditiously on coordinated projects such as the Greater Ross Valley Fuel Break Project.  Two of CO$T’s Directors currently serve on the Marin Wildfire Preparedness Agency Citizen Advisory Committee to help ensure these fire preparedness objectives are met and the agency is fiscally prudent and transparent.
Like this Message? Support CO$T via PayPal or Credit Card

STALLING WATER DECISIONS IS NOT OK 


STALLING WATER DECISIONS IS NOT OK 
Tell MMWD Directors TODAY That You Demand Action

Marin Municipal Water District’s Directors, who collectively have a track record of doing little to address our water sufficiency crisis, continue to delay action.   Buried late on the lineup (ETA 8:10PM) of their Tuesday March 1 board meeting is this important agenda item, number 10:

Consider a Ballot Measure on the June 7th California State Primary Election to Repeal Ordinance No. 418 Requiring Voter Approval for Financing or Construction of a Desalination Facility

The staff report on agenda item 10 lays out the many benefits of acting quickly on repealing Measure S (aka Ordinance No. 418). The staff report makes clear that only a few days remain for the board to vote YES if they wish to place the repeal measure on the June ballot. But “our” Directors appear to be running out the clock in an election year so as not to deal with a potentially controversial matter: Measure S currently constrains MMWD from moving forward with desalination. MMWD Directors elected to have agenda item 10 considered as an “informational item” only, thereby precluding them from voting on this matter at a regular board meeting in time to actually place a Measure S repeal on the June 7, 2022 election ballot.

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers isn’t advocating for or against desal per se. A disciplined analysis of all the options must be completed first.  But we do believe it’s important to let voters decide in June whether to repeal Measure S.  A voter approved rollback of Measure S would save time and money if desalination should turn out to be an important contributor to near or long term water sufficiency.  We believe that a portfolio of approaches is vital to establishing water security for those who depend on MMWD.

As the staff report points out, repealing Measure S would “ensure temporary emergency desalination could be considered a viable drought relief measure.”  Further, if expert analysis deems that desal should be a component of a long term solution for water sufficiency, repealing Measure S would allow desalination to move forward without further delay.  Failing to place the Measure S repeal on the June 7, 2022 ballot could ultimately cost 6-18 months, as good practice is to place important measures on a statewide general election ballot.  The alternative, holding a special election just to repeal Measure S, would cost MMWD ratepayers as much as $2.3 million per the staff report (PDF pages 124-125).

MMWD’s professional management has made clear the benefits of repealing Measure S.  It is imperative that MMWD’s Directors not block or slow walk consideration of any water supply options.

SPEAK UP NOW. DEMAND ACTION TODAY!

Email MMWD Diwaterectors at:

boardcomment@marinr.org
and cc us at info@costmarin.org

Insist MMWD’s Directors quickly convene another board meeting to VOTE on placing Measure S repeal on the June 7 ballot.If you can, also speak up at MMWD’s March 1 7PM Zoom Board meeting during 7PM public comment or during agenda item 10 (estimated start 8:10PM).

Collectively this board has been at MMWD nearly 75 years, commissioned at our expense multiple expensive studies of our water supply adequacy and disaster risk, and yet repeatedly failed to act decisively to ensure an adequate, reliable, secure water supply. Their approach to Measure S repeal is just another chapter in this sorry saga.

Given the rising threats of drought, wildfire, earthquake, and mudslides, it’s time for MMWD Directors to stop “considering” and start acting to ensure we have sufficient water.  If the current directors won’t act, their replacements will.

The November 2022 election, when 3 of the 5 incumbents’ terms end, provides an ultimatum for change. Challenger candidates need your help to get elected. Email us at info@costmarin.org to learn more or volunteer to work for change.

COST Director Lucy Dilworth on Measure A Wildfire Threat

“Our communities remain at risk until everyone does their part to reduce hazards. Measure C was never intended to pay for reducing all wildfire hazards. Just as Marin homeowners are asked to pay for their own expensive defensible space, every other property owner and land manager should cover these vitally important maintenance costs. Public agency land managers should pay for this work out of their own budgets. If it requires reallocating limited money to meet new urgent priorities, so be it. Everyone has hard choices to make.

Measure A’s annual reports show that the parks department spent an average of only $1.5 million annually on all their vegetation management work, a substantial portion of which was for species preservation and overhead personnel allocations. That’s a tiny portion of Measure A’s $15 million annual revenue, and the department’s overall $32.2 million budget.”
-January 14, 2022 Marin IJ

Marin Voice: Measure A must address threats of wildfire in county open space

OPEN SPACE WILD FIRE RISK MUST BE TOP PRIORITY OF PARKS SALES TAX RENEWAL

OPEN SPACE WILD FIRE RISK MUST BE
TOP PRIORITY OF PARKS SALES TAX RENEWAL

Tell Marin Supervisors TODAY:
You Don’t Like the Terms of Its Proposed Ballot Measure
And that you Agree with CO$T’s Objection Letter (below)
*
At 9:30AM Tuesday December 14 Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider approving a draft ordinance specifying the terms of a June 2022 ballot measure to renew the current Measure A 1/4 cent Parks and Open Space sales tax. CO$T objects to several elements of this proposal as being inadequate and out of synch with the priorities of county residents. This is a potentially unfortunate instance of a very important public interest being compromised by the influence of special interests.

SPEAK UP NOW: SEND YOUR EMAIL TO
MARIN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS &
PARKS LEADERSHIP (AND CC CO$T)
address your comments to:
BOS@marincounty.org, MKorten@marincounty.org,
info@costmarin.org
*******************
CO$T DEMANDS WILD FIRE FUEL REDUCTION BE A CLEAR PRIORITY
OF ANY PARKS AND OPEN SPACE SALES TAX RENEWAL
CO$T Objection Letter – December 13, 2021
Sent to Marin County Supervisors and Parks Director Max Korten

The Coalition of Sensible Taxpayers will not support the proposed renewal of the County Parks ¼ cent Measure A sales tax owing to inadequate provisions to ensure substantially stepped up removal of fire prone vegetation from the more than 17,000 acres of Parks’ Open Space lands. Absent changes to the current proposal that goes before the Board of Supervisors on December 14, CO$T may oppose the tax renewal.

County Open Space is a wildfire time bomb. We call on Marin County Supervisors to:

Fund what voters want most: Remove Dangerous Wildfire Fuel. Multiple opinion surveys demonstrate that wild fire fuel reduction is THE public’s top spending priority for Measure A renewal. It will undoubtedly be front and center window dressing in the ballot language courting voter approval. Yet the draft ordinance falls well short of that supposed promise. It provides insufficient funding and specificity to guarantee a significant increase in excess vegetation removal. Further, the ordinance leaves open the possibility that such funding could be reduced in a planned 2026 reallocation of spending priorities.

Represent the clearly expressed interests of the general public. CO$T views the draft ordinance as fatally compromised by concessions to special interests, ignoring the general public who have shown in repeated surveys that their top priority for Measure A spending is wild fire fuel reduction. The county’s own large community survey shows 78% of respondents say that it’s very important that wild fire fuel reduction should be funded with Measure A sales tax dollars; only 21% view grants to private agricultural land owners as a Very Important use of funds.

Measure A’s renewal ordinance must designate wild fire fuel removal as a distinct, top spending priority, funded with an IMMUTABLE 33% of the TOTAL sales tax dollars; and backed by a specific project list and acreage commitment for NEW wildfire fuel reduction projects. The latest proposal allocates only 23% of total sales tax funds to wild fire; is subject to revision in only 4 years; and is an afterthought within a program to protect or restore natural resources. As a result, species protection programs and other priorities will continue to limit fuel reduction despite Open Space’s exceptionally high risk of catastrophic wildfire. COST also continues to strongly object to the proposed diversion of 10% of total public sales tax money to “grants” to owners of private agricultural lands. That additional 10% should go to the public’s top priority, wild fire fuel reduction, rather than going almost entirely to an unpopular program marred by scandal.

Without the changes CO$T and the public favor, Measure A renewal risks failure at the ballot box. We urge the Board of Supervisors to amend the ordinance to ensure uninterrupted funding for County Parks and Open Space.