Votes at a glance: Isla Vista board approves utility tax language, budget and routine resolutions

The Isla Vista Community Services District board took several formal actions during its meeting.

Key votes:
• Utility users tax (amended Res. 26‑21): Approved to place a ballot question asking voters to authorize a utility users tax with 7% on methane and 6% on trash, sewage, water and electric, generating approximately $1.2 million annually. Vote: Carmichael, Hobart, Brandt, Seabold and Toplet — yes; Dasher — abstain; one director participated remotely and was not eligible to vote.

• Resolution 2625 (candidate statements): Approved. Candidates will pay for 200-word candidate statements for the 2026 election; routine annual action.

• Preliminary FY 2026–27 budget: Approved (staff recommendation). Staff presented a preliminary budget that shows roughly $2.3 million in revenue and $2.4 million in expenses with a $100,000 draw from reserves; staff will return with a final budget in August and will incorporate tax outcomes as needed.

• Resolution 2626 (sewer tax collection): Approved. Board authorized annual collection of the previously approved 8% sanitary sewer tax via the county tax roll for parcels served by the Goleta West Sanitary District.

Staff were directed to finalize ballot wording, prepare administrable exemption options for board review, and return with budget refinements in August. No further public testimony changed the outcomes recorded at the meeting.