City Attorney's Impartial Analysis

A "Yes" vote on Measure W will add 0.75% Transactions and Use Tax, generally known as a Sales Tax, for 5 years. If approved by the voters, Measure W will be codified in the Greenfield Municipal Code.

Consistent with current Greenfield Municipal Code Chapter 3.26, the Measure W Transactions and Use Tax would be collected in the same way as the current Sales Tax on the sale of tangible personal property sold at retail and on the storage, use, or other consumption of tangible personal property purchased from any retailer in the City limits. This measure was placed on the ballot by the City Council of the City of Greenfield by unanimous vote on July 28, 2015 (Resolution Number 2015-50.)

If approved, Measure W will impose a general tax, as opposed to a special tax, and revenue to the City of Greenfield is estimated to increase by approximately $900,000 per year. Revenues from Measure W will be deposited into the City's General Fund to be used by the City for any City operation or service, including but not limited to: enhanced police protection, enhanced recreational opportunities and the re-establishment of code enforcement.
Bradley Sullivan
Under Measure W, the City Council must appoint a citizens' oversight committee, currently designated as the Finance Advisory Board, to review and report to the public annually on all Measure W tax expenditures. The existing Finance Advisory Board authorized by Measure X may serve the oversight role required in this measure. To become law, Measure W must be approved by a majority (50% plus one vote) of the voters in the City of Greenfield voting in this election.

Dated: August 14, 2015

Bradley W Sullivan
City Attorney