On June 10, 2009, the Alameda County Mayors' Conference voted unanimously to send a strong message to the politicians in Sacramento to leave local revenues where they belong, with the cities that need them.

According to the Mayors' Conference, cities have faced their own significant financial challenges in this economy and have taken the difficult but necessary steps to balance their budgets by reducing or shuttering programs and services and laying off valuable employees. The State, in contrast, is avoiding solving its problems by "borrowing" local revenues that by law must be paid back within three years.

"It's time for the Governor and the State Legislators to get their own house in order and allow us to continue to provide the services that our residents and businesses expect and deserve."

— Mayor Beverly Johnson

Alameda Mayor Beverly Johnson, President of the Alameda County Mayors' Conference, explained that "this kick-the-can-down-the-road strategy will do nothing to solve the State's structural budget problem, but it will have dire consequences for local governments and all the people who rely on them for services."

The cities in Alameda County could lose $42 million or more in local property taxes–monies that directly pay for police, fire, and emergency medical services–if the Legislature accepts the Governor's proposal to take local property taxes. Many cities are already facing severe fiscal hardships and can ill afford to lose 8% or more of their property taxes. State takeaways of this magnitude could force cities to close fire stations, reduce police patrols, and eliminate those amenities like libraries and parks that contribute to a healthy community.

The State is also considering taking approximately $36 million in funds that Alameda County cities use to repair local streets and roads. California's infrastructure is crumbling; without regular repair work, the streets and roads will only get worse, requiring more costly rehabilitation in the future. Taking these funds now is another penny wise and pound-foolish move by the State to avoid its responsibility to solve its own budget problem.

"The Mayors in Alameda County are united in saying enough is enough," noted Mayor Johnson. "It's time for the Governor and the State Legislators to get their own house in order and allow us to continue to provide the services that our residents and businesses expect and deserve."