Measure F Oversight Committee

A citizens’ oversight committee was established by the Town Council in 2005 with the passage of Measure F for the purpose of monitoring the use of the special municipal tax revenues in accordance with the measure. The oversight committee has continued with each renewal of the tax. In 2019, however, after five years with no citizens volunteering to serve on the citizens oversight committee, the Town Council reconstituted the committee to consist of two Council Members, the Town Treasurer, a former Town Treasurer, a representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission and from the Volunteer Board. In 2020, they added two representatives from the public at large. In this way, the tax revenues continue to be monitored to ensure they are used according to the purpose and intent of the measure.

The Special Municipal Services Tax

The Special Municipal Services Tax, known as Measure F, was first passed by the voters of Fairfax in June of 2005, and approved by the voters every 5 years thereafter. Most recently, Fairfax voters approved it for the fourth time in November of 2019, continuing the annual tax for each business occupancy and dwelling unit at a rate of $195 in the first year (beginning July 1, 2020) and increasing $5 annually to a maximum of $250 per dwelling unit. It is codified in Title 3 of the Town Code, as follows:

§3.20.010  FINDINGS; STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.

   The Town Council determines that the cost to maintain certain municipal services at a level required to provide for the health, safety and general welfare of its residents exceeds the amount of funds and revenues generated from all other sources of income.  The Town Council further determines that the levy of a special municipal services tax on improved real property throughout the town is necessary to maintain an adequate level of municipal services.  It is the sole purpose and intent of this chapter to impose a special tax to maintain 24-hour, seven days per week staffing of the Fairfax Police Station, maintain fire services, provide funding for public works safety projects, and enhance youth and senior programs.  A citizens’ oversight committee was established by the Town Council in 2005 with the passage of Measure F for the purpose of monitoring the use of the special tax revenues in accordance with this section.