Supervisors to Look at Backing Prop. 217

Ventura County supervisors today will consider adding their names to a list of supporters of Proposition 217, saying it would pump millions of dollars into county coffers every year.

The statewide measure, which will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot, would continue tax rates of 10% and 11% for residents with taxable incomes of $100,000 and $230,000, respectively. Currently the rates are expected to expire at the end of the year.

Revenues derived from the taxes now go to the state. But with the state’s budget now stable, the money would be shifted to counties, said Supervisor Maggie Kildee, who is proposing support for Proposition 217.

If approved by voters, the measure could provide $7 million to county coffers in the first year, Kildee said. It is estimated that the tax would bring a minimum of $3.9 million in subsequent years, she said.

The money would help make up for the $302 million the state has diverted from special districts and all local governments of Ventura County since 1992 to help balance its budget, Kildee said.