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Big Bear Lake endorses Measure I expenditure‑plan package for November ballot
Summary
Council voted to endorse the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority's proposed expenditure plan to continue Measure I (half‑cent sales tax) without a sunset; the plan preserves the 1% administrative cap, retains return‑to‑source rules, and adds a 3% interregional mobility set‑aside for tourism‑impacted and evacuation projects.
The Big Bear Lake City Council on April 8 approved a staff recommendation to endorse the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority’s expenditure plan for a proposed November ballot measure to continue Measure I, the county half‑cent sales tax for transportation. If voters approve the ballot measure, Measure I would be extended indefinitely unless repealed by a future vote.
Staff explained Measure I currently returns approximately $700,000–$800,000 annually to Big Bear Lake as its local share and that the plan would preserve the 1% cap on administrative costs, maintain the return‑to‑source approach, and establish a new 3% inter‑regional mobility reserve for tourism‑impacted communities and goods‑movement corridors. "This set aside would support planning and implementation of projects for communities that are experiencing these impacts," staff said, noting examples such as enhanced mobility, evacuation planning and funds for unexpected infrastructure damage.
Public commenters echoed concerns about taxes and spending but several councilmembers emphasized the practical benefits: Measure I revenues serve as leverage for larger grants and loans and have funded local projects including Moonridge corridor improvements and park and street work. Council approved the recommendation (recorded vote 4–1), with one councilmember voting no.
Next steps: SBCTA will tabulate city actions across the county as it prepares the ballot measure; a majority of cities representing a majority of county population must endorse the plan for SBCTA to move forward with placing Measure I on the ballot.
