Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Measure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Victorville council directs staff to begin process for possible sales-use tax measure
Summary
The Victorville City Council unanimously directed staff to prepare a public infrastructure plan, conduct outreach and polling, and take steps toward placing a general transactions and use tax measure on the ballot after staff said roadway and other infrastructure needs exceed current funding.
The Victorville City Council on Nov. 18 unanimously directed staff to begin work toward placing a general transactions and use tax measure on a future ballot, after staff described a widening gap between infrastructure needs and available revenues.
City staff told the council the city’s pavement management analysis shows a present‑value backlog for roadway rehabilitation in the neighborhood of $175,000,000 and that ongoing growth and aging streets are increasing that need. “If we want to rehabilitate our existing roads … we’ve been able to calculate how much is needed in present value dollars,” staff said, citing the $175 million figure.
The council’s action directs the city manager to prepare a public infrastructure plan that details proposed uses for new revenue, retain outside help for community outreach and communications, and conduct polling to test voter support before any ordinance language is drafted. Mr. Metzler (staff) said the plan would cover roads, police and fire facilities and other capital needs; he recommended producing the plan before the council adopts any ordinance for ballot language.
Councilmember Irving asked what steps would follow a direction to proceed; staff responded that typical next steps include preparing the plan, conducting outreach and polling, and then returning to the council to adopt an ordinance containing the proposed tax language. “I would envision bringing in some outside support to help with the community outreach,” Mr. Metzler said.
Supporters on the council emphasized getting clear information to residents. Mayor Tim Herriman asked for an additional presentation by the city engineer so the public can better understand the condition of the road network.
The motion to direct the city manager to begin these steps passed unanimously (Councilmember Godin: Yes; Councilmember Irving: Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Herriman: Yes; Mayor Becerra: Yes). The direction is procedural; no ballot measure language was adopted at the meeting.
