City Explains 1% Tax Proposal
May 24, 2024 11:37AM ● By Angela Underwood, photos by Angela Underwood
Councilmember Marc Boomgaarden and Vice-Mayor Dave Shaw discuss the importance of the Citizens Advisory Committee, which will oversee funds from a proposed tax if passed.
YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - A one-cent tax could generate 17.5 million dollars if passed in November.
Yuba City City Manager Diana Langley presented Mayor Shon Harris and the Yuba City Council with a detailed explanation of the proposal on May 7, beginning with the website dedicated to the tax.
"Our website is a wealth of information and I don't think people are very familiar with it," Langley said, adding the link information is at www.yubacity.net/city_hall/2024_revenue_measure.
The website page, Langley said, "immediately goes into some basics about the potential revenue measure of 1% that would allow local control over local funds."
"I think what has been most interesting as we have gone out and done two presentations so far is that people are shocked by the 7.25% sales tax rate in Yuba City; the city only receives 1%," Langley said. "A lot of people think that the entire 7.25% comes back to the city."

Yuba City City Manager Diana Langley details how all information on the 1% tax proposal to be placed on the November ballot is available on the city website at www.yubacity.net.
The remainder “largely goes to the state and then a portion to the county," according to Langley.
The city manager pointed out the basic facts on the website, including the $17.5 million it could yield annually. Part of the tax would be paid by non-resident shoppers. No funds can be taken by the state and must stay for local services and programs. Additionally, essential purchases such as groceries and prescriptions are exempt from the proposed revenue.
Langley pointed out the website’s six subsections for roads, fire, homelessness, budget, Walton/Happy Park and FAQ (frequently asked questions).
"There are presentations related to it," Langley said, adding roads, for instance, have both a grand jury report and a budget presentation. "It talks about the pavement condition index and there are maps. That is just the road piece."
The joint City Council-Board of Supervisor meeting from last December is available on the website. If you click on community feedback, "this is where you can submit information for us to contact you and provide you feedback," Langley said.
The website also provides a media link for the public to read about or listen to in local newspapers and on the radio.
"This area will build over time as we put more articles out and radio interviews and PSAs (public service announcements)," Langley said.
The website also notes upcoming informational meetings over the summer, with the June schedule including one on the 4th at the Soroptimist International of Sutter-Yuba and the 11th at Early Risers Kiwanis.
"We are happy to do more; if you would like to have a neighborhood meeting and have us come out, we will meet with a small group or a large group," Langley said, adding that it is only informational. "We are not here to advocate or convince."
A flier that breaks down the current sales tax complements the website and is available at Yuba City Hall, 1201 Civic Center Blvd., Yuba City.
Vice-Mayor Dave Shaw said he has "had the privilege of being at both of the first two presentations."
"It has been very clear and well received," Shaw said. "Thank you for a clear, concise message because that is the way we have to be with the public."
Councilmember Marc Boomgaarden brought the citizen oversight committee to the public's attention, saying it would not be a group of "all those in favor" but rather an unbiased group.
"I encourage anyone out there: we are taking signups as it stands right now," Boomgaarden said.
Langley said the committee will review any proposed expenditures.
"They would also look back to see how the funds were actually spent and if that aligns with the intent of how the funds were supposed to be spent," Langley said.
Along with the website, the city is advertising the 1% revenue tax proposal with a QR code that leads to information on the ballot measure.