“We’re taxed enough already! Vote ‘NO’ on Measure S 2010.”
That’s the opening line of a letter filed on July 28 by Gregory Gandrud, chairman of the Santa Barbara County Republican Party, and a handful of local business owners opposing the addition of a half-cent sales tax on to the November ballot.
The Board of Supervisors voted in early July to put Measure S on the general election ballot. If passed by voters, the tax hike would raise an estimated $30 million each year. County officials said half of the funds would be earmarked for the North County jail. The remaining money would go toward funding recidivism-reduction programs and supporting city and county public safety services.
But some county residents aren’t thrilled with the prospect of higher taxes.
“Across the country, taxpayers are telling government to cut spending. Cut bloated
government pensions. Cut bloated government programs,” the opposition letter said. “But the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors isn’t listening. Their solution is more taxes.”
According to the letter, the measure would pull close to $420 million from taxpayers’ pockets over a 14 year period. Money “from your pocket—for bigger government,” the letter said.
“For over 20 years, the county has known additional jail space may be needed. But every year they spend the money elsewhere, instead of planning ahead,” the letter continued. “Send a message to politicians: Tell them no new taxes.”
County officials, however, view the measure as a much-needed funding source.
“Through this measure, we will be able to put people in jail who should be incarcerated in order to protect the community, but who currently are not jailed because of the inadequate capacity that we have,” Sheriff Bill Brown told the supervisors at their July 6 meeting. “This measure is a comprehensive, well-thought-out, and blended approach to making our community safer. Raising taxes should be a last resort, and this is a last resort.”
If approved by a two-thirds majority vote, the tax increase would be imposed in July 2011 and stay in effect for 14 years. A citizens’ review committee would also be formed to ensure the money is used as intended.
This article appears in Aug 5-12, 2010.