Oakland Looking at Residents' Wallets to Solve Budget Crisis

Oakland officials are considering asking city residents to approve two tax measures they hope will help close about half of the city's projected $42.6 million budget deficit.
     
As part of a package released Friday, city leaders are proposing a parcel tax measure that would raise the tax on single-family homes by about $180 a year. Also being considered is a temporary half-percent increase in the utility users' tax.
     
Officials estimate the two taxes, if approved, would raise a combined $20.6 million a year.

The parcel tax would require a two-thirds vote at the ballot box, while the utility tax would require a majority vote.

Council members are set to discuss the city's budget woes when they meet Thursday evening. They have until July 20 to vote on placing the measures on the November ballot.