Santa Paula council asks staff to design Measure R oversight committee after residents demand independent review

The Santa Paula City Council on Jan. 14 asked staff to draft a policy establishing oversight for Measure R — the 1¢ general sales tax voters approved in November 2024 — after more than a dozen residents urged a separate, resident-led committee to review spending and keep the city accountable.

Residents and organizers from local groups told the council they want a committee dedicated to Measure R rather than folding oversight into the existing Measure T body. "We need a separate oversight committee for Measure R because it's what the community wants and deserves," said Britney Boswellowski, who called for strong public reporting. "It will provide a critical layer of accountability, ensuring funds are managed responsibly and in alignment with community priorities."

Why it matters: Measure R is expected to generate roughly $4 million to $4.5 million annually for local services and infrastructure, including accelerated street repairs, sidewalks and emergency response — priorities cited in campaign materials and by staff in the council presentation. Residents told the council that clear, regular disclosure of how Measure R money is spent is essential to maintain public trust.

Discussion and council direction: Staff presented three options: expand the existing Measure T advisory/oversight committee to include Measure R; create a separate Measure R committee; or assign Measure R oversight to an existing advisory body or to council-led budget processes. Multiple council members and staff noted the practical difficulty of having two separate citizen advisory groups make budget recommendations for overlapping city priorities.

Council member Crosswhite and others asked the fundamental planning question: what would the committee’s role be — “oversight” (audit after the fact), “advisory” (recommendations before spending), or a hybrid? Several council members proposed a hybrid process in which a Measure R committee would have a defined role during the city’s budget process (to review staff proposals and advise) plus a post‑expenditure audit function and public reporting to maintain transparency.

Public comment and equity concerns: Speakers representing Causa and other local organizing groups asked the council to require district representation on any committee and to prioritize outreach to underrepresented neighborhoods. "It is crucial that the committee is district based so that there is at least one person for each of our five districts," said a speaker identifying herself as an organizer with COS. Multiple Spanish‑language speakers echoed that point and asked the council to guarantee regular reporting and the ability to review expenditures.

Next steps: The council gave staff direction to draft proposed committee language, membership criteria and a process for appointments, and to return with recommended rules and timelines. Staff said it would work with the finance director and city attorney to produce clearer, written guidelines for council review. No formal ordinance or vote was taken at the meeting; the council directed staff to return with a detailed proposal.

Community context: The Measure R discussion came amid broader community concern about public safety and city services after recent regional wildfires and power interruptions; several speakers tied requests for oversight to a call for better communication and accountability.

Ending: Staff will return to council with draft committee rules, membership criteria and proposed appointment steps. Council members said they want language that makes public reporting clear and that prevents confusion between Measure T and Measure R priorities.