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Council asks staff for legal guidance after briefing on 1% citizen sales-tax measure for coast and fire projects
Summary
Council heard a citizen petition proposing a 1% local sales tax to fund coastal sand placement and wildfire preparedness (estimated ~$15M/year). Staff clarified a 10-year sunset and that up to 30% of revenue could fund non-sand projects; council requested a legal report on who may submit ballot arguments for initiative-placed measures and continued the item for more analysis.
The council received a detailed staff briefing on a citizen‑initiated proposal that would add a 1% local transaction/use tax to fund coastal erosion work and wildfire preparation. Staff estimated the measure would produce roughly $15 million per year if approved and noted the chartered measure includes a 10‑year authorization (renewable by voter approval) and allows some flexibility on eligible projects (up to 30% of revenues could pay for non‑sand, related projects such as trail or emergency infrastructure).
Staff flagged a key technical question: because the measure is placed by petition, state election rules treat who may file ballot arguments and rebuttals differently from a measure placed by a legislative body. Legal clarity is important for publishing impartial voter information. The council directed staff and the city attorney to return with a legal memorandum clarifying which individuals or groups may submit pro/con arguments and rebuttals for a petition‑placed measure; staff asked for extra time and the council continued the item to May 19 to allow research.
Public reaction was mixed: supporters said the measure offers a local funding source for long‑term coastal and wildfire resilience projects; opponents and other commenters stressed the need for clear information, precise accounting of projected sand needs and alternatives and more direct outreach to residents before a vote. "It would generate about $15 million per year," staff said in the briefing. Several residents asked staff to publish more plain‑language details and to ensure transparency about project priorities and sunset/renewal mechanics.
Next step: staff will prepare a legal memo on ballot argument rules and publish clarified project and fiscal details for the council’s May 19 meeting.
