What a wonderful article! It would not surprise me if there were other situations where the funding received from the taxpayers essentially was used to cover the costs of the bureaucracy used to manage the program. Thank you very much for your reporting.
Yes -- this! I have real concerns that when the ADDITIONAL 1/2 percent sales tax for the City of Sebastopol is approved by voters on 5 November, that instead of saving up significant funds so that the City does not have to EVER ask for additional tax support, it will just use these additional funds to essentially grow it's bureaucracy. I expect that our hard working city employees will find a way to add to their already top notch health and retirement plans. Trust me, the city will find "essential" things to spend this massive new annual amount of funds on. Sadly, I expect we will be in this situation again in the future, asking for more and more regressive taxes to support "nice to have" items.
1. Public Safety: A significant portion of the funds will likely go toward maintaining and enhancing police, fire, and emergency services, ensuring that Sebastopol remains a safe place for residents and businesses.
2. Road and Infrastructure Repairs: The tax revenue will help address much-needed road repairs and infrastructure improvements, such as fixing potholes, improving drainage systems, and maintaining public buildings.
3. Parks and Recreation: The funds could be used to support parks, community spaces, and recreation programs that benefit both residents and visitors, enhancing quality of life in Sebastopol.
4. Community Programs and Services: Measure U will likely provide funding for senior services, youth programs, and other community initiatives that might otherwise face cuts without additional revenue.
5. Economic Development and Local Business Support: Some funds may be allocated toward boosting local businesses, supporting events and promotions that bring visitors to Sebastopol, and maintaining a vibrant downtown.
6. Emergency Preparedness and Response: Given Sebastopol’s vulnerability to natural disasters like wildfires, the funds could help strengthen the city’s emergency response infrastructure, ensuring quicker and more effective disaster preparedness and response efforts.
If, “We”, as voters are aware of where the tax money is supposed to be distributed. Making the City Council accountable by speaking up will go a long way to ensuring we do not end up spending it on City Employees retirement or health funding.
Thank you for this news story. I wonder why some situations take so long in California; the repair of the Bay Bridge after the 1989 earthquake took 25 years, and cost >$4B for example. It seems that there are very many well intentioned people with conflicting opinions and choices; sort of a Tower of Babel process….
What a wonderful article! It would not surprise me if there were other situations where the funding received from the taxpayers essentially was used to cover the costs of the bureaucracy used to manage the program. Thank you very much for your reporting.
Yes -- this! I have real concerns that when the ADDITIONAL 1/2 percent sales tax for the City of Sebastopol is approved by voters on 5 November, that instead of saving up significant funds so that the City does not have to EVER ask for additional tax support, it will just use these additional funds to essentially grow it's bureaucracy. I expect that our hard working city employees will find a way to add to their already top notch health and retirement plans. Trust me, the city will find "essential" things to spend this massive new annual amount of funds on. Sadly, I expect we will be in this situation again in the future, asking for more and more regressive taxes to support "nice to have" items.
Just some facts on Measure U.
1. Public Safety: A significant portion of the funds will likely go toward maintaining and enhancing police, fire, and emergency services, ensuring that Sebastopol remains a safe place for residents and businesses.
2. Road and Infrastructure Repairs: The tax revenue will help address much-needed road repairs and infrastructure improvements, such as fixing potholes, improving drainage systems, and maintaining public buildings.
3. Parks and Recreation: The funds could be used to support parks, community spaces, and recreation programs that benefit both residents and visitors, enhancing quality of life in Sebastopol.
4. Community Programs and Services: Measure U will likely provide funding for senior services, youth programs, and other community initiatives that might otherwise face cuts without additional revenue.
5. Economic Development and Local Business Support: Some funds may be allocated toward boosting local businesses, supporting events and promotions that bring visitors to Sebastopol, and maintaining a vibrant downtown.
6. Emergency Preparedness and Response: Given Sebastopol’s vulnerability to natural disasters like wildfires, the funds could help strengthen the city’s emergency response infrastructure, ensuring quicker and more effective disaster preparedness and response efforts.
If, “We”, as voters are aware of where the tax money is supposed to be distributed. Making the City Council accountable by speaking up will go a long way to ensuring we do not end up spending it on City Employees retirement or health funding.
Thank you for this news story. I wonder why some situations take so long in California; the repair of the Bay Bridge after the 1989 earthquake took 25 years, and cost >$4B for example. It seems that there are very many well intentioned people with conflicting opinions and choices; sort of a Tower of Babel process….