All about Gann Appropriation Limits

 
 
 
 

WHAT ARE GANN APPROPRIATION LIMITS?

The Gann Limit is a yearly limit on how much money state and local governments in California can spend from tax revenue.

The Gann Limit is different for each agency and changes every year. It gets adjusted for changes in population, price index, and other factors. The limit for local agencies is also adjusted based on changes in population and local property tax rolls. 

The limit requires governments to perform a series of calculations each year to compare their appropriations to the limit. Voters can override the limit by majority approval, but the override can't last longer than four years.

MEASURE Q AND THE HISTORY OF GANN APPROPRIATIONS IN STINSON BEACH

Historically, the residents of Stinson Beach have always voted to increase the appropriations limit to continue funding for the fire protection and ambulance services provided by the Stinson Beach Fire Protection District when a ballot measure calls for it.

Measure Q will be on the November 5, 2024 ballot requesting that voters follow this pattern and increase the Gann Appropriations Limit for the District through 2029.

FACTS ABOUT MEASURE Q

  • Measure Q is not an increase in taxes.

  • Measure Q authorizes the District to expend the tax dollars Stinson Beach voters already have approved.

  • Measure Q has no effect on the tax rate. A YES vote will NOT raise taxes, and a NO Vote will not reduce taxes.

  • A YES vote simply increases the District’s appropriations to equal the existing tax revenue. This enables the District to pay for fire protection and ambulance services.

  • Without an increase in appropriations, the District budget will need to be reduced.

  • Measure Q expires automatically in four years and must be resubmitted to the voters.