Early results from Tuesday’s election show how voters are deciding on school bonds, local tax increases and other measures across Santa Barbara County.
School Bonds Gain Narrow Support
Measure D for Santa Ynez Valley Union High School was narrowly passing in early results with 55.8% of votes in favor and 44.2% of votes opposed.
The $80 million bond measure requires 55% approval to pass.
If approved, it would authorize facility repairs, classroom and science lab improvements, and HVAC upgrades, costing property owners an average of $21.73 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.
Allan Hancock College’s Measure H also was narrowly ahead in early results, with 56.5% of voters supporting it and 43.6% opposed. It requires 55% approval to pass.
The measure would authorize $290 million in general obligation bonds for the college, and aims to upgrade aging facilities and infrastructure, and expand four-year degree partnerships with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
It would cost an estimated $19 per $100,000 assessed value.
Sales Tax Measures in Santa Maria, Carpinteria
Santa Maria’s Measure C half-cent sales tax increase was doing well, with 65.9% in favor. It requires 50% plus one vote in approval to pass.
The measure proposes a half-cent sales tax increase — from 8.75% to 9.25% — to generate $13 million annually for city services such as roads, libraries and parks.
Carpinteria’s Measure I quarter-cent sales tax increase also was doing well, with 62.8% of voters in favor. It requires 50% plus one vote in approval to pass.
The measure proposes increasing the city sales tax rate from 9% to 9.25%, which would raise an estimated $700,000 annually for road repairs, emergency preparedness and public safety.
Isla Vista Tax Measures
Isla Vista’s Measure E utility tax was ahead of the needed votes, with 70.6% in favor. It requires 66.7% approval to pass.
The measure proposes utility user taxes — 6% on utilities and 7% on methane — to raise $1.2 million annually to improve public safety, night lighting and parking services.
Isla Vista’s Measure F also was well ahead of the needed votes, with 66.1% in favor. It requires 50% plus one vote in favor to pass.
The measure would establish an annual spending limit of $3.5 million for the Isla Vista Community Services District.
Guadalupe Revenue Measures
Guadalupe’s Measure G was ahead with 68.0% in favor. It requires 50% plus one vote approval to pass.
The measure would replace the existing fee structure of cannabis, taxing up to 8% on gross retail sales and 4% on commercial processing and manufacturing.
Measure J also was ahead with 55.8% in favor. It requires 50% plus one vote to pass.
The measure would increase the transient occupancy tax, also known as the hotel tax or bed tax, to 12% from 6%. It would also expand coverage to RV parks and campgrounds, and would generate up to $20,000 annually.
This is a developing story. Early election results will be updated as more ballots are processed and counted. Semi-official election results are expected late Tuesday night. Final, certified results will be available by Dec. 3.
