From:Michael Harrington
To:Kristie Ramos, CMC
Subject:July 16 2026 Agenda item 7a
Date:Tuesday, July 14, 2026 7:09:31 PM
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Good afternoon, Mayor and Council.
I have concerns about asking voters to approve a permanent 1% sales tax before the City has demonstrated that it has fully evaluated its own spending priorities.
The staff report explains why additional revenue is being requested, but I did not see a discussion of whether discretionary spending should be reduced or reprioritized before seeking a permanent tax increase. The measure refers to public safety, roads, parks, libraries, and other services, yet because it is a general tax, the revenue will go into the General Fund and may be used for any lawful municipal purpose.
I also encourage the Council to look at the City’s long-term financial strategy. Rancho Mirage continues to add residential development, while much of its recurring revenue depends on tourism, hotel occupancy, and sales taxes rather than property taxes. If the cost of providing police, fire, emergency medical, and other municipal services continues to grow faster than the revenues generated, then simply raising taxes does not address the underlying fiscal challenge.
Before asking residents to approve a permanent tax increase, I believe the City should clearly explain what alternatives were considered, including spending priorities, operational efficiencies, and long-term strategies to strengthen recurring revenues.
I respectfully ask the Council to postpone placing this measure on the ballot. Before asking voters to approve a permanent tax increase, the City should first demonstrate that it has thoroughly evaluated spending priorities, long-term financial planning, and reasonable alternatives to raising taxes. I believe more analysis is needed before this measure is ready for the ballot.
Thank you.
Mike Harrington