What is the current Urban Growth Boundary?
Measure W would preserve the existing Urban Growth Boundary that was approved by the voters in 2000. A map showing the current UGB can be found here, with the UGB line shown in blue.
Archives: FAQs
Where can I get more information about Measure T?
More information about Measure T, including the ballot materials as well as links to City budget information, can be found on the City’s website at sonomacity.org/ballot-measure-t. General information about the November 5 election can be found at sonomacity.org/elections. If you are a member of a community organization that would like to receive a presentation on … Continued
What is Measure W?
In 2000, Sonoma voters approved a ballot measure that established in the City’s General Plan a boundary line beyond which urban development was not permitted for twenty years, except under certain circumstances. If approved by a simple majority of voters, Measure W would continue with the existing Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for another twenty years, … Continued
How many votes does Measure T need to pass?
Measure T requires approval by a simple majority of voters in order to pass.
If approved, how long would Measure T last?
Measure T would add a half-cent to the local sales tax on an ongoing basis until repealed by the voters. This tax could be repealed by voters in the future if placed on the ballot by the City Council or by a citizen initiative.
How will the City ensure local control and accountability for Measure T revenues?
All Measure T funds would remain local and be controlled by the City Council. By law, locally approved sales taxes cannot be taken away by the State. The City of Sonoma has taken many steps to increase financial transparency and accountability. These include multi-year financial forecasting and capital planning, improved cost-recovery for fee-based services, an … Continued
Do other cities in our area have local sales taxes?
Most cities in Sonoma County have a local sales tax to support their general city services. The cities of Cotati and Petaluma have a full cent local sales tax, Sebastopol has a three-quarter cent sales tax and the cities of Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, and Sonoma have a half-cent local sales tax.
What City services would Measure T support?
All of the revenue from the local sales tax is spent locally for the benefit of the Sonoma community. Measure T revenues will into the City’s General Fund, which provides basic city services including 911 emergency response, fire and ambulance services, police services, emergency preparedness, street and parks maintenance, planning and building services, housing programs, … Continued
How much revenue will this local sales tax generate?
The additional half-cent sales tax is projected to generate approximately $3 million annually.
Why was Measure T placed on the ballot?
Measure T was placed on the November 5, 2024, ballot by a unanimous vote of the Sonoma City Council to support existing and expanded City service levels and ensure financial stability and sustainability. Measure T was placed on the ballot to address Sonoma’s significant budget deficit and ensure the continuation and enhancement of essential city … Continued