League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Santa Barbara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
	Measure D2012 Transient Occupancy Tax City of Buellton Ordinance - Majority Approval Required Pass: 1159 / 55.40% Yes votes ...... 933 / 44.60% No votes See Also: Index of all Measures

Arguments For Measure D2012

Arguments Against Measure D2012

Tourism helps to bring revenue to the City of Buellton in the form of Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). This revenue is used towards the City's parks, roads, community services, recreation, and maintenance. A portion goes back to the Visitor's Bureau to promote and increase tourism. This TOT has not changed in 15 years, which currently brings in over one million dollars in revenue to the City of Buellton. Measure D2012 could increase Buellton's TOT to a maximum of 12%, which would give the City an additional $200,000 annually. Remember, this is NOT a tax on Buellton residents and businesses. Only visitors to Buellton will pay the TOT. The purpose of increasing TOT from 10% to 12% is to: Offset decreased revenue in a sluggish economy we normally receive from sales taxes. Offset decreased revenue from property taxes. Contribute and promote the growth, community enhancement, tourism, and prosperity of the City. VOTE YES FOR MEASURE D2012 This is an investment in Buellton with NO cost to Buellton residents (unless staying in a Buellton hotel room). The undersigned author of the argument in favor of Measure D2012 at the General Election for the City of Buellton to be held on November 6, 2012 hereby states that this argument is true and correct to the best of her knowledge and belief. /s/ Holly Sierra Mayor, City of Buellton

No formal arguments against have been submitted

Full Text of Measure D2012

THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF BUELLTON DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Section 3.28.030 of Chapter 3.28 of the Buellton Municipal Code is hereby amended to read, as follows: "3.28.030 Rate. For the privilege of occupancy in any hotel, the City Council may, by ordinance, establish a tax rate at no greater than twelve percent (12%) of the rent actually charged or customarily charged by the operator for the rooms and/or facilities occupied by the transient. Each transient is subject to and shall pay the tax in the amount set by the City Council. This tax constitutes a debt owed by the transient to the city which is extinguished only by payment to the operator of the hotel at the time the rent is paid. The unpaid tax is due upon the transient's ceasing to occupy space in the hotel. If, for any reason, the tax due is not paid to the operator of the hotel, the tax administrator may require that such tax be paid directly to the tax administrator."