The City of Apple Valley has passed a resolution creating an oversight committee for Measure P funds should the sales tax measure pass in the November election.
Measure P (Citizen’s Transactions and Use Sales Tax Revenue Measure) is a proposed measure that would impose a one-cent sales tax, city officials said.
If approved, Measure P is expected to generate approximately $9 million annually in locally controlled revenue to fund city services.
The task of the oversight committee will be to ensure transparency and accountability in the collection and use of new tax revenues, city officials said.
After repeatedly struggling with budget deficits, the Apple Valley City Council voted in July to put a one-cent sales tax on the November ballot.
Supervised by residents
The committee is composed of residents who monitor and verify the use of the funds raised by the tax and ensure that they are used in accordance with the intentions set out in the measure.
The Committee’s Charter describes the structure, responsibilities and working methods of the Supervisory Committee, including its composition, frequency of meetings and reporting obligations.
The creation of the committee is a proactive step by the Apple Valley City Council to maintain public trust and ensure that residents have a say in the management of these potential new funds, city officials said.
“We are committed to transparency and accountability to our citizens,” said Apple Valley Mayor Scott Nassif. “The creation of this oversight committee reflects our commitment to good governance and our desire to ensure that any additional revenue generated from this measure is used effectively and for the benefit of our community.”
Financing municipal services and programs
A 1-cent sales tax would be equivalent to an additional cent per $1 purchase of taxable goods. Exempt from the sales tax are unprocessed foods, rent, prescription drugs and personal services such as medical, dental and legal services, the staff said.
All revenue generated by the tax would remain in the city and not be shared with other agencies, including San Bernardino County and the State of California.
If approved, the funds would be subject to regular audits and disclosure of public spending.
As described in the ballot proposal and if approved by voters, funds raised through the sales tax can be used for city services and programs such as:
- Observe response times for emergency calls to 911
- Programs for safe routes to school
- Response to property crimes, thefts and burglaries
- Recruitment and retention of deputy sheriffs
- Repairing roads and potholes
- Retaining and attracting local businesses
- Combating homelessness
- Cleaning and maintenance of public areas and parks
- General municipal services
The 2024 Measure P ballot proposal comes nearly four years after Apple Valley voters rejected Measure O, a proposed 1% sales tax increase to fund general city services.
For more information, visit the City of Apple Valley website at applevalley.org.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
