Frequently Asked Questions
on Ballot Measure 26-48

Information on Ballot Measure 26-48

What is Ballot Measure 26-48?

Ballot Measure 26-48 is a proposed ordinance that would provide three years of bridge funding for Multnomah County schools, senior and low-income health services and public safety needs such as decreasing the early release of prisoners. If enacted, the ordinance would establishes a three-year, personal income tax of 1.25% on Oregon taxable income. The net effective tax paid is graduated because the first $2,500 for a single tax filer and first $5,000 for Joint/Head of Household tax filer is exempt. The effective rate would range from .06 - 1.25%. This is not a property tax proposal. This Measure applies to residents of Multnomah County only.

When is the election?

Voters will make a decision on the Measure on May 20, 2003. All Oregon elections are vote-by-mail, so ballots will appear in mailboxes beginning the first week in May. If you are not registered to vote and would like to vote on the Measure your registration card must be postmarked or received 20 days prior to Election Day or by April 29th, 2003 for the May election.

Due to new federal election requirements, a copy of identification will be required of anyone who is registering to vote for the first time in any Oregon county (including anyone who moves from one Oregon county to another) and who mails their card to a county or state elections office. Anyone who registers in person at an elections office, or at a voter registration drive, will not be asked to provide ID. Sufficient identification includes a copy of a current and valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, or a copy of a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement or other government document showing the registrant’s name and address.

For more information on registering contact the Multnomah County Elections Division at 503-988-3720 or visit the website at: Voter Registration Information

Why is the Measure being proposed?

State funding for schools, human services and public safety in Multnomah County has been substantially reduced. School districts have cut programs and instructional days. Senior citizens and low income families have lost necessary medications and housing assistance. Inmates have been released from jail early.

This measure allows Multnomah County to assist county public schools for three years with their funding gaps and to restore some of basic, local services in public safety, health, mental health, and services to seniors and the disabled.

How much would Measure 26-48 raise?

The Measure would raise between $128 and $135 million annually, depending on the economy, for schools, public safety and health and senior care.

Where does the money from this Measure go?

About 75% of revenues from this measure would provide funds for the eight Multnomah County School districts in the following school years: 2003-2004, 2004-2005, and 2005-2006.

About 25% of revenues from this measure would provide funds for senior services, assistance for mentally ill, low-income health care, and public safety for fiscal years 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.

How would each school districts benefit from this Measure?

This Measure would contribute approximately $90 million a year for three years to schools in Multnomah County, including the Centennial, Corbett, David Douglas, Gresham-Barlow, Parkrose, Portland Public, Reynolds, Riverdale School Districts.

Funds from this Measure would be distributed to schools based on the state school funding, per pupil, distribution formula. Additionally, all public schools within the City of Portland will receive funds from Business License Fee revenues to schools within Portland city limits for the 2003-2004, 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 school years.

Would there be restrictions on how schools can spend the money generated from this Measure?

Schools would only be allowed to apply funds directly to the classroom for services such as:

• Retaining teacher positions to maintain or improve student-teacher ratios;
• Maintaining instructional days to help ensure a full, 180 day school year;
• Funding programs and services that prepare students for college and the workforce;
• Communicating with residents about achievement and accounting for the use of these tax dollars.

How would government be held accountable for the funds from this Measure?

Independent performance audits would be conducted on funds generated by this measure to ensure the best use of every dollar.

Beginning with the 2003-2004 fiscal year, all county revenues generated from this tax would be subject to an independent review by the Office of the County Auditor. At any time beginning July 1, 2003, the County Auditor may determine that county revenues generated from the income tax and/or any county program benefiting from this tax would be audited.

The measure also creates a School Efficiency and Quality Advisory Council to review expenditures by county school districts. It would include parents, educators, taxpayers, and business, labor, and government leaders. It would oversee the new local tax revenues for the benefit of students.

What types of senior, health care and public safety programs would be funded?

Revenues from this measure would provide funds for health care, mental health, senior services, and public safety. These funds would be used for the following services such as:

• Housing and living assistance to seniors and the disabled;
• Prescription drug assistance for low-income seniors;
• Emergency mental health services;
• Health, mental health and addiction treatment for offenders to help reduce recidivism;
• Restoration of jail beds;
• Juvenile justice and gang services;
• Rehiring sheriff’s deputies;
• Restore alcohol and drug treatment for repeat offenders.

How much would individuals pay as a result of this Measure?

For single filers, $2,500 of taxable income is exempt. For joint filers and head of household $5,000 of taxable income is exempt. A taxpayer with Oregon taxable income (after deductions) of $30,000 would pay about $20 a month for three years as a result of this measure or about $245 annually. This estimated payment takes into account changes in deductions on federal and state taxes and reflects the change in your overall tax contribution.

Social Security earnings are not subject to this tax.

If you would like to calculate the affect of the Measure on your household, please visit the County's website at: http://www.co.multnomah.or.us

Is there any type of income that is not subject to this Measure?

Social Security earnings are not taxed under the Measure.

What is the result of a no vote?

Absent additional state revenues, emergency housing and prescription drug benefits for seniors would be reduced substantially and in some programs eliminated entirely. Treatment and crisis services for the mentally ill and people with addictions would be reduced or eliminated. Community supervision and effective treatment services of offenders would be reduced or eliminated. Jail bed capacity would be further reduced. Some prisoners who have not yet served their full sentences would be released early.

The state continues to face severe revenue shortfalls. If Measure 26-48 fails, Multnomah County schools will have to manage with the amount of funds allocated to them by the Oregon State Legislature which is considering a budget for public schools that according to Multnomah County districts would result in greatly decreased numbers of teachers in school buildings and/or greatly reduced instructional days for students and/or elimination of instructional programs at individual schools.

How can I find out more information about the measure?

Contact any member of the Board of County Commissioners:

or visit the County’s website at: http://www.co.multnomah.or.us

If I’m interested in learning more about the campaign, who do I contact?

The Elections Division has public information submitted by supporters and opponents of the Measure. You may contact Elections to obtain more information at 503-988-3720.

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