Mark Kersey

It's been an honor to serve the people of District 5 for the last 8 years sandiegouniontribune.com/pomerado-news/…

The #SanDiego City Council Rules Committee will vote this morning to place a new ‘Empty Homes Tax’ on the June ballot. Like other recent city revenue measures, the tax is characterized by inflated income projections, no guarantee any additional funds will be spent on desperately needed public safety staffing or critical infrastructure repairs, and uncertainty as to how it would be enforced. Councilmember Elo-Rivera, the ballot measure’s sponsor, may be overestimating revenue from the new tax, promising ‘up to $51 million’ annually while the independent Budget Analyst is projecting between $15.3 and 30.0 million. The IBA Report also “underscores that it is appropriate to assume a high drop-off or exemption rate and decreasing revenue over time.” The supporters of the new tax claim that only a small fraction of the homes in San Diego would be affected. The initial estimate of 5,115 homes subject to the tax is based on self-reported exemption data from the city Rental Unit Business Tax (RUBT). However, the tax would apply to any residential dwelling unit including single-family homes, condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, and apartments that are left vacant for 183 days or more per year (with certain exceptions). The IBA calls for “discussing whether or how the City should identify residential units not captured in our RUBT-based estimates that may be subject this tax, and consider how the City’s data collection methods may be limited in capturing changes in vacancy status.” There is also the possibility of another ‘bait and switch’. The language of the draft ordinance “may be amended by the Rules Committee and City Council before a final vote to place the measure on the June 2026 ballot.” The new tax would give the city extraordinary authority to enforce compliance. Homeowners identified to pay the tax could only make appeals to hearing officers appointed by the city in hearings where formal rules of evidence will not apply. Hearsay evidence may be considered at the hearings. The IBA also warns “although the current proposal is structured as an excise tax similar to Berkeley, additional implementation challenges (including a higher probability for data corrections) may arise, as the City of San Diego lacks a regulatory body analogous to the Berkeley Rent Board and is unable to leverage existing property data and tax systems to the same extent.” At least the Berkeley tax will expire in 2034. If passed, the San Diego empty homes tax will remain in effect until repealed. The city is on track to repeat the errors of paid parking at Balboa Park and the trash collection fee. The new tax could easily deliver less income than promised, cause unintended negative consequences, and allow the city to spend any new revenue on low priority programs. sandiego.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonlin…

The city of #SanDiego is facing a FY 2026 budget deficit of up to $16.8 million, largely due to actual revenue from Balboa Park paid parking coming in at much less than the projected amount. While the deficit is relatively small, there are warning signs that the situation could deteriorate by the end of the year. The general fund year-end reserve balance is 10.6% of operating revenues, well below the 14.1% target. The relatively rosy projection also rests on the assumption that steps taken to reduce spending will be effective. Despite the deficit, the city continues to employee staff in 11 positions eliminated as budget saving measures, including two public relations positions. Looking ahead, a $110 million deficit is projected for 2027, which will require "require strategic reductions to service levels." sandiego.hylandcloud.com/211agendaonlin…

@KimGAgingCzar @sdcta Thanks Kim!

@markkersey @sdcta Congrats Mark! We are excited to have you on board.

Excited to join the San Diego County Taxpayers Association @sdcta as their new President & CEO! It’s a great year for Taxpayers to do what it does best—analyze local government policy proposals and ballot measures to help voters make informed decisions.

@GeorgePlescia @sdcta Thanks George! Hope you’re doing well! 🥃

@markkersey @sdcta Congratulations and good luck Mark!

@ColinParent @sdcta Thanks Colin!

@markkersey @sdcta Congratulations!

@d_tao Castle & Key? Amazingly similar if not. Beautiful historic facility!

Name that distillery!

Time to end this failed experiment

Repugnant Response

Our local leaders should visit SF (or LA) where Waymo’s are prevalent, comfortable, and safe

Government shutdowns by either party for any reason should be unconstitutional. If Congress can’t agree on a new CR, the previous FY budget should automatically take effect month-by-month until a new one is passed & signed #28thAmendment

Government shutdowns by either party for any reason should be unconstitutional. If Congress can’t agree on a new CR, the previous FY budget should automatically take effect month-by-month until a new one is passed & signed #28thAmendment

Playoffs baby!!! ⚾️⚾️⚾️

'Vacations.' The word is 'vacations.'

This is a really bad idea and @SDPOA is right to stand against it

So stoked to have @Padres baseball back--great to hear @jesseagler & @tonygwynnjr on the call!

Torrey Pines is just showing off 😍

Big thanks to our hard-working men & women at @SDFD!

Approximately 175 firefighters are on scene from multiple agencies including @CAL_FIRE @SMFD @RSF_Fire and others. Hand crews are working to cut a line around the fire and other crews are staged to protect homes. #BernardoFire