The dagger in the heart of Sonoma Valley's controversal Measure C $148 million million bond issue was not just the unfair annexing through Eminent Domain of the Leveroni property ~ it was the NO recommendation to the voters of the district by the Sonoma County Taxpayers' Association ~ who thoroughly reviewed both sides of the measure and found the measure was not only unjustified but that its costs were misleading.
Here is their letter to the editor of the Sonoma SUN as well as some of my observations:
The Sonoma County Taxpayers' Association's Board of Directors have thoroughly reviewed Measure C, the Sonoma Valley Hospital facilities bond proposal. It has also met with the proponents and opponents of the measure.
After these deliberations the Association recommends to the voters of the Sonoma Valley Hospital District that they vote No on this ballot measure.
This recomendation is based on the following
conclusions;
1. The tax burden proposed on the average property owner has been understated and misleading by the proponents of Measure C.
Assuming the bond passes and the parcel tax is renewed ~ the financial impact on the average property owner supporting the local public hospital is likely to be three to four times the current $130 parcel tax after three years.
It would have a dramatic negative effect on property owners with fixed incomes.
2. It is the Association's opinion that the total cost of the $148 million bond has not been appropriately disclosed. The total debt service, including interest expense, is estimated at $289 million over the life of the bond.
3. If the District's projected 10 percent annual growth rate in assessed value is not achieved during the life of the bonds ~ then the property owners will be obligated to make up the difference.
4. It has not been adequately demonstrated that a $148 million hospital is needed given current trend from in-patient to out-patient care, as well as an aging population that is healthier.
5. The existing hospital is not 50 years old. The original building is that old, however additions to the hospital complex are more current.
Granted the hospital must meet state seismic requirements, however the information we received from the Office of State Health Planning and development ( OSHPD ) indicated that all retrofits had to be completed , with extensions, by 2013.
Given that the hospital beds are currently only 30% occupied, it would seem prudent to shift hospital functions among other existing buildings while seismic retrofits and new construction takes place on the existing site.
The Sonoma County Taxpayers' Association, founded in 1945, was formed to protect the interests of all county taxpayers.
It is not against all taxes, just those that cannot be justified.
We believe Measure C falls into that category.
Fred Levin
Executive Director,
Sonoma County Taxpayers' Association
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