Tools

Santa Barbara Mayor Wants Voters to Support Funding Reforms

Financial package announced and may be on the November ballot.

Written by John Palminteri

Story Created: Feb 7, 2012 at 2:52 PM PDT

Story Updated: Feb 8, 2012 at 1:46 PM PDT

Santa Barbara - Mayor Helene Schneider says she wants to try a new way to protect tax dollars and also fix some local budget problems instead of having the city struggle year in and year out because of the states financial problems.

A four pronged plan has been laid out. It involves a small license fee for businesses in the downtown entertainment district that sells alcohol past 11 p.m. to presumably pay for more police protection. That district is bordered by Sola Street, Cabrillo Boulevard, Chapala, and Santa Barbara Street. It does not include Milpas, the harbor area, or Stearns Wharf.

The mayor's plan also asks for city workers to contribute more to their retirement funds, and then a half cent sales tax proposal that could send about $5 million a year to the city and $5 million to the schools.

"This proposal is a chance to invest in a place we hold dear to [our hearts]," Schneider said. "[We must also] invest in our infrastructure, our out core municipal services and programs, in our kids education and in Santa Barbara," Schneider said. She admits it's a different way to find funds and protect them from Sacramento leaders who routinely look at city funds as a way to solve the state's budget problems. "As your mayor it's my job to offer solutions to our city's current challenges and provide options that will improve and enhance our every day lives," she said.

It will take 15 percent of the city's voters to sign petitions that will qualify the proposals for the November ballot as separate initiatives.
Those petitions could be out on the streets in just a few weeks.

KEY News Senior Reporter John Palminteri has our story.


for further information : http://www.investinsantabarbara2012.com/
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Primetime

AFV
7.00
america's funniest home videos
8.00
billboard music awards
11.00
key news