Council highlights ballot Measure A as funding source for parks, fire stations and student programs

City officials told residents the city plans to educate voters this year about a local ballot measure, called Measure A, that would make a quarter-cent of sales tax available for projects in Santa Fe Springs, including parks, fire stations and youth programming.

City Manager Renee Bovedea explained the context: after the prior homeless ballot measure (called Measure H) reduced the city's sales-tax capacity, Measure A would free up a quarter-cent that local officials want to keep in the city. "We here as staff and council, we can't advocate one way or another, but we could definitely educate and let you know what this tax measure will do and how it'll help the community," Bovedea said.

Council members and staff framed one use of locally retained revenue as continuing support for youth programs, such as the Lake Center Middle School eighth-grade Washington, D.C., trip that the council recognized at the meeting. Lake Center teacher Jennifer Conforti and students described the trip as a formative experience; the city manager and council members applauded the program and noted the city helps fund student travel.

At least one council member alerted residents that Measure A is tied to countywide/regionwide ballot activity and described prior measures' fiscal impact on the city. A council member characterized Measure H as having reduced local sales-tax capacity and said the city had previously ceded millions to regional efforts; the speaker warned that if the quarter-cent is not retained locally, another agency could receive those funds. The council did not take a formal vote on the measure at the meeting.

Council members urged residents to research Measure A and to attend informational sessions; staff emphasized they will provide factual information but not advocate for a position in order to comply with legal limits on staff advocacy.