Buellton Mayor David Silva delivers the State of the City presentation Wednesday morning at an event organized by the Buellton Chamber of Commerce. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo

A year after declaring Buellton “simply fabulous,” Mayor David Silva said the small city only continues to prove his proclamation and more.

“I still agree she is simply fabulous,” Silva said of his city with a population of 5,500 people. 

Once known for its pea soup-themed restaurant and as a place to stop for gas, Buellton later became labeled a bedroom town for commuters traveling to jobs beyond the Santa Ynez Valley.

However, Buellton has a lot to be proud of, Silva said. 

“Buellton’s really proving what big things a small city can do,” he said.

The Buellton Chamber of Commerce organized the annual State of the City presentation held Wednesday morning at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott with about 80 people in attendance. Chamber leaders also handed out two awards at the event. 

The mayor provided a snapshot of the city’s financial health, delivering a far rosier report than seen in other communities.

“Most cities, they shy away from this. I get to be like, ‘Girl, we doing good,’” Silva said. 

He noted that the city’s two key revenue sources — sales tax and transient occupancy tax — continue to keep Buellton financially healthy.

“Our bedrock of our financial situation sits within the business owners in this community between our hoteliers who are doing our TOT tax to that sales tax. We’re here because of the business owners,” he added. 

He couldn’t resist boasting that Buellton’s sales tax revenue per capita ranks at the top in Santa Barbara County.

Buellton lands at the top of the list for per capita sales tax ranking of other cities and unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County.
Buellton lands at the top of the list for per capita sales tax ranking of other cities and unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo

“We may be a small town, but we are mighty with our economic drivers within this space,” he said before a friendly jab at Solvang as many leaders of that city sat in the audience.

“Actually, there’s a slide to showcase that,” he said, eliciting applause as he displayed the ranking that also listed Buellton as 27th in the state.

He bragged that Buellton has the lowest sales tax rate at 7.75%, while other cities in Santa Barbara County charge 8.75% and 9.25%.

Minutes after the friendly jab at Solvang, Silva noted the valley communities’ vital collaboration.

“The valley may have its distinct communities, but we all benefit when we all work together,” Silva added.

One collaboration will create a community wildfire protection plan, although the state failed to provide funding. 

Another collaboration, one of the most noticeable efforts, involves re-establishing summer swim programs and raising funds for a new aquatic center.

“It’s really going to be such a great amenity added for the entire valley, not just for the city of Buellton,” he said. 

Other updates Silva provided Wednesday morning: 

  • The city adopted a Dark Sky Ordinance and has undertaken an initiative to plant 1,000 trees.
  • Avenue of Flags has launched a weekly farmers market each Monday, providing a community event for residents to gather. 
Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland listens as Judith Dale speaks about receiving the Vince B. Evans Award during the State of the City event.
Buellton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland listens as Judith Dale speaks about receiving the Vince B. Evans Award during the State of the City event. Credit: Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo
  • Developments include affordable housing projects, new hotels, a Cottage Health medical office and In-N-Out Burger. The latter is now eyeing a vacant lot on  McMurray Road north of Rufus T. Buell Drive.
  • The Arts and Culture Commission recently presented the musical “Annie,” with a scene performed during the event.
  • The Urban Growth Boundary initiative added more than 100 acres eyed for future growth, keeping the decision local and preserving Buellton’s “small-time charm.”
  • The city also has celebrated a new home for its library at the former Willemsen Dairy property, calling it “the crown jewel of our community,”

Before the mayor’s presentation, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Vreeland and Tessi Martinez, chamber board president, announced the recipients of two awards.

Judith Dale was presented the Vincent B. Evans Award in recognition of her volunteer service and commitment to the community spanning decades, including prior stints with the City Council, multiple nonprofit organizations and more.

“Her vision, energy and love of Buellton show in everything she does,” Vreeland said. “She has spent many hours rolling up her sleeves, getting involved and supporting so many causes throughout the valley. This award is long overdue.”

“It’s just my pleasure to give back, and it’s a great community. I love it here,” said Dale.

Olivares Auto Repair and Tire received the Buellton Beautification Award for upgrades to the business’ lounge area for waiting customers.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.