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Santa Barbara County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
Measure H2012
Transient Occupancy Tax
City of Goleta
Ordinance - Majority Approval Required

Pass: 9191 / 72.22% Yes votes ...... 3535 / 27.78% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures
Results as of Dec 4 3:18pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (17/17)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

In order to provide additional funding to enhance city services such as public safety, road maintenance, revitalization efforts in Old Town, and provide support for other fundamental City services, shall an ordinance be adopted increasing the Transient Occupancy Tax (Bed Tax) charged to hotel guests staying in Goleta from 10% to 12%, with the proceeds placed in the City's General Fund?

Impartial Analysis
If Measure H is approved by a majority of the voters of the City of Goleta, the Goleta Municipal Code will be amended to allow collection of a transient occupancy tax at the rate of twelve percent (12%) of rent on hotel guests staying within the City. This tax is also known as a bed tax or "TOT". Currently, the City imposes a ten percent (10%) transient occupancy tax.

Revenue generated from the tax will not be restricted and will be available for the City Council to expend on any lawful City purpose.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure H. If you desire a copy of the measure please call the Goleta City Clerk at 961-7505 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

  
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Arguments For Measure H2012 Arguments Against Measure H2012
Yes on Measure H will provide Goleta with additional funding to enhance city services such as public safety, road maintenance, and revitalization efforts in Old Town. Measure H will increase the transient occupancy tax (TOT) "bed tax" paid by hotel guests visiting Goleta from 10% to 12%. This increase will provide the City with funding to help maintain the high quality of services our community enjoys.

Unlike most other taxes, the bed tax is collected locally and the State cannot take this revenue away from Goleta. 100% of these funds remain in Goleta to protect critical funding for:

  • Current levels of police officers and traffic patrols
  • Repairs to our streets, potholes and sidewalks
  • Revitalization efforts in Old Town
  • Preserving the quality of our parks, open spaces and community services
  • Providing visitor services and economic development opportunities

Goleta's hotel tax rate has not been changed since 1990. The City of Santa Barbara is at a rate of 12%, and the cities of Carpinteria, Buellton and Solvang are asking voters to increase their respective bed tax rates to 12%.

Based on the current revenue sharing agreement with the County of Santa Barbara, the City's financial situation remains challenging. Property tax is the number one revenue generator for Goleta. However we will continue to share 50% of property and 30% of sales tax revenue with the County - in perpetuity.

Yes on Measure H includes taxpayer protections requiring independent financial audits and yearly reports to keep the City accountable for how these funds are used. This measure is estimated to generate $900,000 per year.

Many residents live in Goleta because it offers a high level of service, programs, and quality of life. Join us in voting Yes on Measure H to protect the quality of life our community.

Ed Easton, City of Goleta Mayor Michael Bennett, City of Goleta Council Member Margaret Connell, City of Goleta Council Member Paula Perotte, City of Goleta Council Member

No formal arguements against have been submitted

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Created: December 17, 2012 13:46 PST
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