Isla Vista board sends utility users tax to voters after narrowing rates, adds housing and lighting language

The Isla Vista Community Services District board voted to place a utility users tax measure on the November ballot after a lengthy public hearing and internal negotiations over rates and ballot wording.

Staff presented three draft resolutions proposing different rate structures and descriptions; all aimed to raise roughly $1.2 million annually. After discussion focused on fairness, voter clarity and environmental goals, the board approved amended language authorizing a utility users tax "to fund local improvements to housing services, community-based public safety, transportation, parking and public transit, public spaces including lighting and sidewalks, and community facilities and events," with a rate of 7% on methane (natural gas) and 6% on trash, sewage, water and electric. The board authorized staff to finalize technical edits to the resolution and ballot question.

The motion to adopt the amended wording passed on a roll call: Directors Carmichael, Hobart, Brandt, Seabold and Toplet voted yes; Director Dasher abstained. Director Edward Ballow participated remotely and was recorded as not eligible to vote for this meeting under Gov. Code §54953(b).

Public comment included a detailed governance request from a resident identified as Jesse, who urged the district to adopt five policies to handle complaints about board members and senior staff, including independent review of complaints, timely acknowledgements and whistleblower protections. Jesse told the board that a prior 2025 complaint had not been acknowledged and urged adoption of the proposed procedures before another person is harmed.

During the board discussion, members debated whether to impose a differential rate on methane to encourage electrification and environmental goals. Staff provided revenue context: for residential methane, a 6% rate would raise about $91,000 versus ~$136,000 at 9%, a difference of roughly $40,000. Board members also weighed the trade-off between a more complex ballot description that names specific services and the risk that too many numbers or terms would confuse voters; several directors pressed to include "housing services" and to use the technical term "methane" rather than the more ambiguous word "gas." Staff confirmed all three initial drafts would produce approximately the same total revenue, making the choice largely a policy and messaging decision.

Board members also discussed an exemptions framework, including low-income exemptions and hardship provisions for businesses, and asked staff to return with administrable options that could draw on existing utility assistance programs.

The board’s approval directs staff to finalize ballot language and drafting details so the measure can be submitted to the county for placement on the ballot. The district also indicated willingness to pursue incentive programs and an ad hoc committee to explore non‑tax measures (rebates and retrofits) to complement any price differential approach.

After the vote, the board moved on to routine items and reports. The board closed the meeting for a scheduled closed session on the general manager evaluation under California Government Code §54957.1.