Audience Questions from the Candidate Forum

October 14, 2024 

These are some of the additional audience questions from the October 14th  Candidate Forum held in the Benicia Public Library.  These questions were directed to the City Manager, Mario Giuliani, because the questions were of a technical nature rather than reflective of the views of the candidates. 

The other additional audience questions were given to the four candidates with the request that they post their responses on their website or on their social media platforms.

We want to thank all who participated in the forums either in person or virtually.  Your insights and interest in this process are truly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Rami Muth and the League of Women Voters Solano

Question: I am a senior with a disability.  I would like to stay living in Benicia but I'm worried about rent increases in my studio apartment.  It is $2,000 per month now and I will have to move if it increases by $200.  What can the city do to help?

Answer: To start, it’s important to know that the State of California has rules limiting the increase each year a landlord may increase rates. A landlord may only raise rent no more than 5% each year plus the cost of inflation, but no more than 10%. While the City cannot directly impact any rent increase, we can aid in looking for assistance through our family resource center managed by our Community Service Department. You can contact our Director, Ann Dunleavy at 707.646.4288.

Question: If Measure G passes what will keep future city councils from using this status to create other taxes?  Is there any oversight?

Answer: Measure G only allows the voters to consider adopting a Real Property Transfer Tax (RPPT). No other powers are given to the City Council. Meaning a future City Council cannot raise the rate of the RPPT nor can they pass any new tax. Only a vote of the people can pass a new tax. There are two tax oversight bodies in Benicia. A City Commission with the City Treasurer is one oversight group and there is also an independent citizen oversight committee chaired by George Oaks. George Oakes, Chairman IOCBenicia [at] gmail.com%3e" target="_blank">IOCBenicia [at] gmail.com

Question: Does Measure H, the transfer tax replace the existing tax or is it in addition to the $4,000?  Can the city enact other taxes in the future as a charter city without going to the voter?

Answer: Currently there is a Documentary Transfer Tax of $1.10 per thousand dollars of value or .110%, of which the City of Benicia gets .55 cents and Solano County gets .55 cents. If our RPTT passes then the Documentary Transfer Tax still remains but Solano County would get the full $1.10. No. Measure H does not permit the City from enacting any other tax. Only the voters may enact new or different tax rates.  

Question: I was told that the sales tax that passed in March was not implemented until recently.  Is that true? If so, why the delay?

Answer: Correct. The Taxes approved in March 2024 when into effect on Oct. 1, 2024. There is a lead time to coordinate with the State Board of Equalization to prepare the tax and any new tax must begin at the start of a fiscal quarter. Should Measure F pass in November 2024 it would go into effect on April 1, 2025.  Measure H, as a RPTT would go into effect in January 2025.

Question: If we pass measure F do we have the capacity to use this money fully each year for Benicia road repair?

Answer: Yes, the City has the capacity to perform road work with an average spend of $5.5 million per year.  Likely, we would see in even years road work of valued at $3.5 million and in odd years approximately $7.5 million. This is due to the engineering lead time to perform major road reconstruction work.

Question: Amports and Valero were recently fined millions of dollars for dispersion of coke particulates in the air and water.  Will Benicia receive any portion of that fine?

Answer: No, that was a civil case. The City of Benicia does not receive any of the settlement fees.