Lompoc city leaders discuss Measure I2020

​​​​​LOMPOC, Calif. - Lompoc leaders discussed Measure I2020 Thursday at a meeting in the city.

Measure I2020 proposes an additional one percent sales tax for Lompoc on the March 3rd ballot.

The measure would be in place for 15 years.

City leaders say the measure would create additional revenue to improve public safety and community amenities.

They say since the Great Recession, Lompoc has had many budget cuts, which have caused the city to reduce services.

It is estimated to generate $4.8 million annually.

Lompoc’s current sales tax rate is at 7.75 percent, lower than Santa Maria, Santa Barbara and Carpinteria.

Business owners at the meeting said they are not concerned about the effect the measure would have on consumer spending.

"It's not going to impact the people that are purchasing," said Paul Patel, a Lompoc hotel owner. "One percent will be completely overlooked when they're buying things."

Others said it would encourage new business owners to come to the area.

"Whether you're an established business in Lompoc or you're looking to relocate to the Lompoc area, all business people look to have safety and security in the area for their employees and for their place of business," said Gilda Cordova, Lompoc councilwoman & hotel operator.

Additionally, leaders said the revenue is needed to backfill the general fund to pay debt to CalPERS.

Jim Throop, city manager for Lompoc, said the debt is now at $93 million.

Throop and Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne both expressed concern that without the measure, they may have to cut further or eliminate altogether funding for quality of life services, like the library and parks.