School Board to Vote on Parcel Tax Election at Tonight's Special Meeting

board of directors will vote on a parcel tax election at tonight's special meeting after hearing results from a recently conducted voter survey.

Brad Senden of the Center for Community Opinion in San Ramon will review the results of

The CVUSD board of directors will then vote on whether to proceed with implementing parcel tax election for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. The district is considering a vote-by-mail ballot in either May or June. It would cost between $90,000 to $175,000 depending on the date of the election.

Two-thirds of voters in favor of the tax measure would be needed in order for it to be passed.

At tonight's meeting, the board will discuss the date of the election, the cost of the parcel tax, the use of parcel tax revenue to support programs and the parcel tax's format.

If the board votes to approve an election, district employees will work with legal counsel to draft a resolution calling for the election. The resolution would be presented to the board at a special board meeting on Feb. 2 and then be submitted to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.

The parcel tax is expected to help offset $1.5 million in budget cuts and revive particular programs and services.

Campaigning for the parcel tax election is estimated to cost between $50,000 to $100,000.

At the last meeting in December, the board discussed flat fees of $59, $79 or $99 per parcel. Residents over 65 and property owners who have shared parcels such as apartment complexes would be exempt.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the district office. 4400 Alma Ave.