FAQs • Ventura, CA • CivicEngage

Could any funds from this measure be taken by the State?: No. All funds raised by the local funding measure would stay here in Ventura under local control and could not be taken away by the State.

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Ballot Measure "O" - Funding

1. Why doesn’t the City have enough funds to address these needs on its own?: While state funding to cities has declined, maintenance costs have grown. The City has only been able to live within its means by deferring projects and cutting back on services and costs wherever possible; however, investment in our infrastructure is critical if we are to address urgent needs and continue to provide a safe, clean and desirable place for our residents to live and to support a thriving economy.

2. How much would the measure cost?: A half-cent sales tax would add 50 cents to a $100 purchase. Essential purchases like groceries and medicine are exempt from sales tax.

3. Would tourists share in funding this investment?: Yes. With thousands of people visiting the city of Ventura every week, a local measure would help ensure out-of-towners pay their fair share for police, fire, street repair and other services they use when they visit our city.

4. Could any funds from this measure be taken by the State?: No. All funds raised by the local funding measure would stay here in Ventura under local control and could not be taken away by the State.

5. How do I know that funds would be spent appropriately?: The local measure would contain strict accountability requirements:
- By law, all funds would remain in the City and could not be taken by Sacramento
- Annual independent financial audits and a citizens’ committee will ensure all funds are properly spent
- A public review of expenditures would be required
- All City budgets are discussed at public meetings during the budget process so that the public can provide input on spending priorities. View the budgets posted on our Financial Planning Analysis page.

6. What led the City Council to consider this type of local funding measure?: Through surveys and community input meetings, Ventura citizens have expressed the need for more services. The fiscal year 2015-2016 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget process included discussions about revenue opportunities in detail, including sales tax, transient-occupancy tax, special district assessments, what can be funded and how much revenue can be raised.

Based on the analysis, a city sales tax is the best option to meet the broad base of core infrastructure and community service needs. And, with a local sales tax, the millions of tourists who spend money on lodging and other taxable items will also contribute to the cost of maintaining the City.