Pacifica continues study on fiscal sustainability; council asks staff to pursue parcel‑tax polling and infrastructure options

On Nov. 24 City staff and consultants continued a study session on Pacifica’s fiscal sustainability, presenting a layered strategy to address a projected near‑term operating gap and large capital needs.

Assistant City Manager Yuli(a) Carter and consulting team reviewed core workstreams: update of the cost allocation plan and user fees, modernization of development impact fees, compliance and revenue audits, expanded grant pursuit, and economic development to generate renewable revenues. Staff highlighted an estimated structural operating shortfall that could reach several million dollars and long‑term capital needs estimated at roughly $370 million.

The consultant team described options for voter‑approved revenues: expanding the utility user tax base or adjusting rates (majority vote), a parcel tax or parcel‑tax‑backed bonds to fund public safety and operations (two‑thirds voter threshold), and an infrastructure financing measure (EIFD or GEO/Bond) for roads and capital projects. Staff said CFDs and EIFDs could be used in tandem for specific development sites and cited the state Surplus Land Act clearance for 2212 Beach Boulevard as enabling market disposition.

Council asked that staff and proposed consultants pursue polling and community education focused on a parcel tax for public safety and an infrastructure measure for roads, and to return with feasibility results and recommended measure language early in 2026. Several members emphasized that any voter measure should be accompanied by visible cost‑control and organizational improvements to build public trust. Staff confirmed it will return with polling results and next steps for council consideration.