Measure G is where taxes and technology meet

Monterey voters will have to decide whether or not to update a 1970 telephone tax, to now include cell phones and other modern telecommunications.

“The main point to know is that we are not changing the tax rate. The tax rate will stay the same at 2 percent for residential and 5 percent for non-residential users,” said City of Monterey Finance Director Julie Porter.

Measure G will update the language, broadening what the telephone tax includes. As landlines become a thing of the past.

“We have seen some decline in our telephone user tax over the years, but we don’t anticipate to see a huge increase in the law,” said Porter.

The City said they’re not expecting a big increase in revenue, however any additional money will always be welcomed.

“It’s important because this funding goes to the city general fund, which supports services such as public safety, police and fire, library, recreation maintenance,” said Porter.

Measure G would not apply to charges for internet access or any downloads.