Santa Clara County leaders are asking voters to approve Measure A, a five-eighths-cent sales tax increase on the Nov. 4 ballot, claiming more taxes are needed to support health care services. Before county officials hit hardworking residents with more taxes, voters need one simple question answered: Where is all our money going?
Santa Clara County’s budget exceeds $13 billion annually, more than the budgets of 19 states. County leaders claim that they need the $330 million generated yearly by Measure A to support their health care services, but these tax dollars are general fund dollars that can be used for any purpose. The county promises independent oversight, but that’s a false promise, as the current Board of Supervisors cannot constrain future spending of general fund tax dollars.
The county has a history of profligate spending. County Executive James Williams’ 2024 compensation exceeded $600,000, more than many comparable public executives. That same year, total compensation for another 146 county employees topped $600,000, six cleared more than $1,000,000.
In 2021, $76 million of federal COVID-19 aid intended for small businesses, frontline workers and struggling families funded “Hero Pay” bonuses to almost every county employee. County employees are eligible for free health care for life after as few as 10 years of service. For several years beginning in 2018, the county offered employees free valet parking at county offices for a total of $4.5 million. Finally, the county recently spent taxpayers’ money mailing residents “an important update” flyer from Williams parroting the major talking points of Measure A proponents.
Measure A supporters blame the county’s need for additional tax dollars on federal budget reductions, but the county’s questionable management decision-making is driving the need. The county acquired Regional Medical Center for $150 million and canceled the service level cuts planned by parent company HCA Healthcare. That was a noble action, but there were no concrete plans for creating a sustainable financial model while retaining the higher cost structure, and no reserves were established to moderate the inevitable ups and downs in tax receipts. Now, rather than making the tough decisions necessary for achieving sustainability, county officials are asking taxpayers to bail them out for their lack of fiscal discipline.
Before entrusting more of our hard-earned income to them, county leaders must demonstrate an ability to manage existing resources responsibly, efficiently and effectively. We deserve proof that our tax dollars are supporting essential core services rather than poor fiscal planning, wasteful spending and employee perks. By adopting stronger fiscal discipline and prioritizing accountability, county government can begin rebuilding public trust. These actions can help restore faith in a county government that has lost sight of its duty to we the people.
Part of the solution must also include Santa Clara County working on improving its partnership with the city of San Jose. Our most urgent regional challenges — homelessness, crime reduction and housing affordability — transcend governmental silos yet the county pursues its own priorities without coordinating effectively with the city home to more than half its residents. Mayor Mahan’s “Pay for Performance” proposal, where bureaucrats receive raises only when goals are achieved offers a model for the type of accountability that should guide government. By working in genuine partnership with San Jose, aligning resources and focusing on measurable outcomes, the county could make significant progress on these critical issues and provide acceptable levels of health care without raising our taxes.
Measure A is not a solution; it’s a taxpayer bailout for poor planning and fiscal mismanagement. Before we residents tighten our belts, county leaders must get their house in order. Until then, taxpayers should send a clear message this November: No more blank checks. Vote no on Measure A.
Pat Waite is president of Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, based in San Jose.