Mill Valley Plans Tax Extension for Road Repairs and Safety

Mill Valley is preparing to seek voter approval for an extension of its municipal service tax (MST) to fund ongoing road repairs and enhance fire safety measures. At a City Council meeting on October 20, City Manager Todd Cusimano outlined the necessity of the MST, which is set to expire in the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The extension aims to secure funding for essential infrastructure improvements over the next decade.

The MST, which was initially approved in 2016, imposes an annual fee of $266 on single-family residences, generating approximately $2 million each year. This revenue serves as the city’s primary source for paving programs and related services. Cusimano emphasized the importance of the MST, stating, “If we do this right over the next 10 years, we’ll be talking about potentially not having to have one of these taxes.”

Councilmember Urban Carmel added that the tax is not intended to be permanent. “This is really the end game, I think, for the next round,” he noted. The city plans to place the measure on the ballot for the 2026 election, following comprehensive assessments of road conditions and public consultation.

Funding Sources and Improvement Plans

Public Works Director Andrew Poster highlighted that the MST is the main contributor to the city’s paving projects, which also draw from various funding sources, including general fund receipts, road impact fees, gas taxes, and grants from multiple levels of government. “Every year we have a large paving project,” Poster explained, underscoring the collaborative effort to maintain and improve local infrastructure.

During the first decade of the MST, Mill Valley has seen significant improvements, with revenues totaling approximately $20 million. Cusimano reported that the city’s pavement index, a measure of road quality, increased from 58 in 2014 to 74 in 2023-2024, indicating a substantial enhancement in road conditions. “We’re right in the middle of where we want to be,” he stated, referencing the ongoing commitment to maintaining and upgrading the city’s roadways.

The future focus will shift towards residential areas, with plans for targeted repairs and enhancements to ensure safety and accessibility for all residents. A detailed proposal outlining specific road repair projects is expected to be presented to the City Council in November, enabling informed discussions on the MST’s future direction.

As Mill Valley prepares for the potential ballot measure, city officials are committed to engaging with the community to gather input and outline the benefits and necessity of extending the MST. This proactive approach aims to secure the necessary funding to maintain and improve the city’s infrastructure for years to come.