DUBLIN — Voting has started on a mail-only Dublin schools special election that asks to renew an existing parcel tax.
The measure, a renewal of Measure E passed in 2012, asks residents to approve a $96 per parcel annual tax. The measure is estimated to generate $1.7 million annually.
The parcel tax will expire in June, unless renewed by voters. Dublin voters can turn in their mail-only ballots until May 7.
According to the Dublin Unified School District, if the measure is not renewed, it will be the equivalent of losing 20 or more teachers or staff per year. The $1.7 million annually also helps support academic programs and services to maintain class sizes, the district said.
Proponents of the measure state that the Measure E renewal is not an increase in taxes, as it would remain at the same level as it has been since 2012 when the parcel tax was first passed.
The renewal would need to be passed by two-thirds of voters.
The parcel tax proposal includes a senior citizen exception as well as a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) exception. Seniors must be at least age 65 on July 1 of this year to quality.
Voters can mail in their ballots. Early voting also is available at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters office, Monday through Friday, until May 7. The office is at 1225 Fallon St. in Oakland, Room G-1; it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residents also can drop off a ballot at an accessible voting location, located at The Wave pool’s community room, at 4201 Central Parkway in Dublin. Designated drop-off times are May 4-5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; May 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and on Election Day itself, May 7, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The district decided to have this election in May in order to avoid the June expiration.
Dublin Unified will also have another special election in June, but only for those living in District Trustee Area 4, in order to elect a trustee to the school board.