Council adopts Measure A five‑year local program of projects; funds support paving, sidewalks and alternative transportation

Director of Public Works Brent Fulghoni presented an overview of Measure A funding and the city's proposed five‑year program of projects during the council meeting. Measure A is the half‑cent countywide sales tax approved by voters in 2008 and running through 2040; Fulghoni said Measure A represented about one third of the city's transportation funding mix this year.

Fulghoni summarized the program categories funded by Measure A: roadway maintenance and road resurfacing, alternative transportation (sidewalks, curb ramps and ADA improvements), traffic safety projects and staff costs tied to maintenance. He said the city intends to use reserve dollars in the next year to address gaps in curb ramps and to eliminate areas that currently lack ramps. The five‑year program table presented by staff estimated a total program amount around $37.0—$38.0 million over the period, and Fulghoni noted one line‑item calculation discrepancy that staff said they would correct.

Council members asked about priorities and the scale of need; Fulghoni said fully repairing every street in Santa Maria would cost in the order of $100 million or more, explaining the need to prioritize heavily used routes. Several council members thanked the public works staff for prioritizing heavily used roads and neighborhood improvements.

After discussion, the council adopted the resolution approving the Measure A five‑year local program of projects with a recorded roll‑call vote. The adopted program funds pavement and concrete work, street lighting projects, traffic safety, and the mandated minimum contribution to alternative transportation projects, with staff to return to the council with payment management program details next month.