A parcel tax that helps fund libraries, sports and staffing at west Contra Costa schools appears likely to pass, according to early unofficial election results which show the measure with 73% yes votes.
Measure V, which generates about $10 million annually, has been a critical source of funding for local schools. If voters were to reject it, the district says it will either need to find an additional $8 million a year or find things to cut.
Since 2004, the tax has been renewed every four to eight years to raise money for sports and school libraries and to hire dozens of staff members, from counselors and speech therapists to custodians and school safety officers.
The district is asking the community to renew it for a nine-year period, beginning July 1, 2027 and expiring on June 30, 2036. It needs a two-thirds majority to pass.
The rate has remained the same since voters first approved it — 7.2 cents per square foot of total building area — costing an average homeowner about $96 per year, according to WCCUSD. Seniors and disabled property owners are exempt.
Election results
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For more info.: Visit Richmondside’s voter guide or the Contra Costa County elections page.
Over the last decade, the bulk of the money (about $3.5 million) has funded school libraries. The next highest spending categories were $1.5 million for afterschool sports programs and $1.3 million for staff including counselors, psychologists and special education aides. WCCUSD spent an average of $950,000 a year of the parcel tax on core academics, including supplementing teacher salaries and buying textbooks or other curriculum. The smallest portion (about $350,000 a year) was to hire custodians or school safety officers and the supplies they need.
