Measure U

Measure U Defined:

Sebastopol’s Measure U seeks voter approval to authorize a half-cent (0.5%) sales tax to maintain city services. If approved, the Measure is estimated to generate approximately $1.5 million annually to support Sebastopol’s General Fund.

A “YES vote” approves the City’s proposal; a “NO vote” rejects the proposal.

If approved by a majority of the City’s voters, the tax would remain in effect for 12 years.

 

Measure U Ballot Question:

“Sebastopol Public Safety, Roads, City Services Measure: To maintain Sebastopol’s City services such as 911 emergency medical/police/fire response, wildfire/emergency preparedness, maintenance of streets/roads, parks/trails, library, youth and senior services, retaining/attracting local businesses; and for general government use, shall the measure establishing a ½-cent sales tax generating approximately $1,520,000 annually, terminating after 12 years, requiring audits, public spending disclosure, all funds used locally, be adopted?”

 

Revenue for Local Use

Sebastopol receives a small portion of the sales tax revenue generated within the City, roughly 18% of all Sales Taxes collected. The majority of Sales Tax revenue goes to the State of California and the County of Sonoma. If approved by voters, 100% of all revenue raised by Measure U will stay in Sebastopol to fund local services, such as

  • Maintaining the City’s fiscal stability
  • Maintaining and repairing local streets and roads
  • Maintaining 911 emergency response times, police patrols/crime prevention efforts
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Maintaining parks, trails, bike lanes, the City pool and other facilities.

And any other services and infrastructure maintained by the General Fund.

What Does Measure U cost?
How Much Does the City Currently Receive in Sales Tax?
What is the City’s Budget and Fiscal Condition?
What Steps Is The City Taking to Address its Structural Deficit?
Did the City of Sebastopol Consider Other Options Before Deciding to Put the Sales Tax on the Ballot?
How Did the City Gather Community Input Prior to the Measure Being Placed on the Ballot?
Who Pays this Tax? Will Visitors Pay the Tax?
What are Measure U’s Fiscal Accountability Protections? 
When Will the Tax End?
Are There Any Tasks this Measure U Will Place on Our Local Businesses?
Are Other Cities In Sonoma County Placing Sales Tax Or Other Revenue Measures On The November Ballot?
What if Measure U Doesn’t Pass?
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