Watsonville Ponders Renewal Of Half-Cent Sales Tax

WATSONVILLE, CA — Watsonville City Council is considering a ballot measure to renew the half-cent sales tax in the 2020 election, and informational town hall meetings have been scheduled so the public can learn more.

A City of Watsonville Public Safety Sales Tax — Measure G — was on the June 3, 2014 election ballot and was narrowly approved by voters. The measure authorized the city to levy an additional sales tax of 0.5 percent for seven years in order to increase funding for fire protection and law enforcement services. After seven years, the tax hike is set to expire unless it's renewed by voters.

According to the city, if renewed the tax revenue would:

• Maintain after-school and summer programs to keep youth safe and out of trouble

• Support anti-gang and youth violence prevention efforts, Police Activity League and parks and recreation programs

• Maintain lifesaving 9-1-1 fire and paramedic emergency response times

• Continue neighborhood police patrols

The city is hosting town hall public meetings with guest speakers, including Matt Huffaker, Watsonville City Manager; David Honda, Watsonville Police Chief; Rudy Lopez Sr., Watsonville Fire Chief; and Nick Calubaquib, Parks and Community Services Director. The town hall meetings are scheduled:

Monday - November 4
3-4 p.m.
Valley Heights
925 Freedom Blvd.
Watsonville, CA 95076

Tuesday - November 5
6-7 p.m.
Rolling Hills Middle School
130 Herman Avenue
Watsonville, CA 95076

Wednesday - November 6
6-7 p.m.
EA Hall Middle School
201 Brewington Avenue
Watsonville, CA 95076

Thursday - November 7
6-7 p.m.
Watsonville First United Methodist Church
229 Stanford Street
Watsonville, CA 95076

Translation services will be available.

For more information, call (831) 768-3010.