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Council introduces transactions-and-use tax ordinance for November ballot
Summary
The council waived the first reading and introduced an ordinance to add Chapter 3.8b imposing a transactions-and-use tax; the measure will appear on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot and is intended to sustain and enhance general services.
The Santa Maria City Council on July 7 voted to waive first reading and introduce an ordinance (proposed Chapter 3.8b) to impose a transactions-and-use tax administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. City Manager David Rowlands said the ordinance language was amended to emphasize sustaining and enhancing general services while Measure U remains focused on public safety.
Rowlands briefed the council that the ordinance, if placed on the November ballot and approved by voters, would fund a range of services the city identified as general services, including parks and recreation, the aquatic center, library services, youth programs and road improvements. The ordinance introduction is procedural and the tax would not take effect unless approved by voters on Nov. 3, 2026.
Council members moved, seconded and approved waiving first reading and introducing the ordinance; the clerk called the roll and each council member voted "Aye." The ordinance is scheduled for adoption at the next regular meeting, subject to the statutory process and voter approval.
The city manager noted the council previously adopted resolutions calling for the election and amending the measure language to clarify the intended uses of the tax revenues.
