The Manteca Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted in favor of imposing a three-quarter cent sales tax in the City of Manteca in its November 5 vote.

“It will have a positive impact on strong growth,” said Joan Beattie, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, in the core of the reasoning behind the committee that gave the Chamber of Commerce’s name to the “Yes on Q” initiative.

The chamber has around 300 members.

The group sees the tax measure, which is expected to raise $13 million annually, as an opportunity to strengthen the economy for both businesses and citizens.

Beattie stresses that high levels of public safety, good roads and the availability of necessary community facilities and amenities are critical to the success of a city.

If the tax measure is passed, it would only be valid for 20 years.

Measure Q was endorsed by the Manteca Police Officers Association and the Manteca Firefighters Group.

Unlike the one cent sales tax increase proposed for 2020 under Measure Z, which does not include a sunset clause for a certain number of years, there is no organized opposition to Measure Q so far.

Measure Z, which was defeated by 1,376 votes, was the exact opposite in terms of organized campaigning.

There was no organized committee to lobby for passage of the tax measure, but there was one that worked successfully to prevent it.

Manteca politicians have stated that roads and public safety will be the top priority for Measure Q revenue.

This includes building a sixth fire station in southwest Manteca and staffing it around the clock with nine firefighters.

It also includes a $56 million police station at the future extension of Wawona Street and Milo Candini Drive, replacing the current one, which is one-third the size and was built nearly 50 years ago.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email [email protected]