Wording on Santa Barbara sales tax measure is the key to reaching voters about dire financial needs

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - If the City of Santa Barbara wants help from its residents to solve a growing financial problem, the wording on a ballot measure needs to be just right.

The measure calls for a new 1/2 cent sales tax. That would generate an estimated $15.6 million a year if it is approved and starts in April 2025.

The city said in June the deficit on the books now is $7 million with no swift source of new revenue coming in. A new tax is said to be the fastest way to infuse funding into the budget.

The current wording would be in the form of a yes-no ballot question and look like this:

City of Santa Barbara Essential Services Measure

Shall the measure maintain 9-1-1 emergency/fire/paramedic/police response, keeping neighborhood fire stations open; improving housing affordability; addressing homelessness; keeping public areas/parks safe, clean; maintaining library services; stormwater protection; improving natural disaster preparedness; retaining local businesses/jobs, and for general government use; by establishing a ½¢ sales tax providing approximately $15,600,000 annually until ended by voters; requiring audits, public spending
disclosure, all funds used locally, be adopted?

The City of Santa Barbara Finance Committee is going over the issue at 630 Garden Street at noon. Public comment will be taken.