The Chula Vista City Council unanimously approved to place a measure that would continue a 2016 tax increase on the November ballot.
In 2016, Chula Vista voters approved Measure P, which, after 10 years, is projected to provide a total of $245 million. The new measure will appear on the Nov. 5, statewide election ballot and, if passed, would allow the City to continue to fund high-priority projects. The San Diego County Registrar of Voters will assign a title for the measure in August. The measure requests voter approval for the continuation of a one-half cent transactions and use tax for 10 years at the current rate. Although the city’s most pressing need includes infrastructure improvement, repair and maintenance, the tax is a general tax which can be spent for any lawful purpose of the city, according to a city press release.
The funding could be used to: fix potholes and pave and maintain local streets; clean up trash and litter along streets, sidewalks and in other public areas; keep existing parks and recreation facilities safe, clean, and well-maintained; continue infrastructure repairs, including sidewalks, curbs, and storm drains; make improvements to roads and intersections to better manage traffic congestion; repair or replace more underground stormwater pipes at risk of collapsing and becoming sinkholes; address homeless encampments and increase cleanup efforts; and add sidewalks in priority areas.
The measure also requires the continuation of the Citizens’ Oversight Committee, which is composed of members who review and report on City compliance with the provisions of Measure P. Additional fiscal and accountability actions would continue, including: Public disclosure of all spending; all funds stay locally in Chula Vista and no funds can be taken away by the state; essential purchases such as groceries, prescription medicine, diapers, and feminine hygiene products would continue to be exempt from sales tax.
In May, an informational mailer was delivered to 92,000-plus residences throughout the city. The mailer invites residents to take a survey to provide input on priorities for city funding.
To date, more than 2,200 surveys have been returned. Residents are welcome to submit a survey to ensure their voices are heard. Responses will be collected through Aug. 31. The survey is available in English and Spanish at www.chulavistaca.gov/renewingmeasurep.
