The right timing is only part of the picture when it comes to passing a tax measure.

Celia Jiménez here, thinking about having the right timing. When it comes to personal growth, such as applying for a new job or getting out of your comfort zone, many times, it takes a “just do it” approach. Otherwise, you won’t get anywhere. 

For cities and school districts, however, it takes more than a slogan. It requires reports and surveys that show if voters are likely to approve a bond measure or a tax increase. 

While the likelihood is there, it’s still a coin toss, and results throughout history have shown that. 

The four measures on the June 2 primary ballot that would raise taxes to fund first responders, increase compensation for city councilmembers or help fund other services are all falling behind, as my colleague Pam Marino wrote in this week’s edition of the Weekly. 

I’ve seen people commenting on social media that they would not vote for any measures that could increase their bills. They also note our purchasing power has decreased. 

I get it—We pay more for less when we go to the store or when we stop at the pump, thanks to tariffs and the war in Iran.

Some cities and school districts are exploring adding measures to the ballot. Most of them, including Marina, North Monterey County Unified and Carmel Unified, are seeking funds to improve facilities, while Monterey is trying to alleviate its budget deficit. 

Marino also reported that an optimistic Carmel City Council approved adding two tax measures on the November ballot: a 2-percent transient-occupancy tax and a 0.375-percent sales tax increase.

Nobody, including me, likes paying more. But school districts and cities are struggling to hire and retain personnel due to substandard facilities. Because they don’t have the numbers, they are forced to change what services they offer to residents and students, which affects all of us in the long run.