Measure ES

City of Santa Monica Parcel Tax

Measure ES would impose a City of Santa Monica collected parcel tax of $495 per taxable parcel, adjusted annually for inflation, exempting qualifying seniors, affordable housing, non-profits, religious organizations, and schools. It will provide continual funding for Santa Monica’s public schools, including retaining teachers, assisting disadvantaged students, supporting art, music, science, math, and early childhood education, keeping school facilities clean and safe for student and community use.

This measure requires approval by a majority of voters voting on the measure to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure ES will generate an estimated $12,000,000 annually until repealed by voters.

Next Los Angeles County Measure: Measure GG

See Endorsements for Measure ES

Pro:

Supporters say The City of Santa Monica’s unprecedented fiscal distress has put $12 million in annual City funding for our public schools at risk. Without a stable, locally controlled funding source, our schools face the loss of teachers and essential educational programs. That's why thousands of Santa Monica voters signed petitions to place Measure ES on the ballot. Measure ES replaces uncertain City funding, scheduled to expire next year, with a permanent and stable local funding source that will protect educational excellence for future generations.

A YES vote on this measure means: you support the parcel tax.

Con:

Opponents say they support excellent schools in Santa Monica. We are against this measure because it is deceptive. Schools don’t get more money out of this, the City does. This $495 a year parcel tax is a back-door City tax increase.

They argue that Santa Monica’s excellent public schools are one of our community’s greatest assets. For decades, the City has funded the Master Facilities Use Agreement (MFUA) providing community access to Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) recreational facilities and playgrounds after-school and weekends. This measure shifts payment from the City to the people of Santa Monica – forever. Without the MFUA, it jeopardizes after-school programs and community access to SMMUSD facilities.

A NO vote on this measure means: you are against the parcel tax.

Proposal

If approved, Measure ES would add Chapter 2.74 to the Santa Monica Municipal Code and impose an annual $495 special tax on each parcel of taxable real property in the City of Santa Monica (“City”). The tax would rise annually with inflation under the specified Consumer Price Index and would not expire.

If adopted, the measure would require the City to provide all tax revenue from the measure to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (“SMMUSD”) or any successor Santa Monica school district serving City students. The measure identifies the Los Angeles County Assessor, or another lawfully designated entity, as the “Tax Collector.” Unpaid parcel taxes are subject to penalties, fees, and interest and constitute a lien on the parcel.

Revenue would replace funding currently provided by the City to SMMUSD under a Master Facilities Use Agreement (the “MFUA”), which expires on June 30, 2027.

Source: Measure ES Analysis

Los Angeles County Election Resources

City of Santa Monica Election Resources

Pro:

Con:

Proposal

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