Santa Maria City Council To Finalize Language On Sales Tax Measure For November Ballot
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - The Santa Maria City Council held their monthly meeting this evening at City Hall.
They finalized the language for a new sales tax measure, due for voter approval this November.
In May, the City Council approved adding the measure to this November’s ballots.
“We are faced with a budget deficit, a structural deficit,” says Santa Maria’s city manager David Rowlands. “The City Council made a phenomenal job reducing our structural deficit from 25 million down to 13 million so far. So we're doing our part right now. So right now we're really hoping to work together with our residents to get this sales tax approved.”
If voters approve the measure in November, a one-half cent transaction & use tax will immediately go into effect.
“Sales tax,” says Rowlands. “Go to restaurants, go to Costco, get gas in your car, buy a vehicle, that’s where we’ll see the tax.”
The ordinance is similar to but separate from Measure U from 2012, which is focused on law enforcement and public safety.
“It's going to be additional programing for seniors and youth programing, we’ll be able to keep open the Aquatic Center year round and increase our library hours,” says Rowlands.
This measure will ensure continuity of a wide range of city services including but not limited to road repairs and maintaining public facilities.
“You know, attack the potholes on a regular basis,” says Rowlands. “There are some of the general items right there.”
Annual revenue is expected at around $13 million.
Officials say the ordinance has been dubbed “Measure C,” and stands for community.
“I think the most important thing is, the community right now, we have beautiful parks,” says Rowlands. “We have great programing for our youth, our library is a world class library. If we don't receive this revenue, those are the items are going to be on the chopping block next fiscal year.”
In addition to the sales tax measure this November, Santa Maria voters will be electing a total of three new members of their city council, and a one-month nomination period begins on Monday.
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.
