The Tehachapi City Council voted unanimously to place the “City of Tehachapi Local Control/Essential Services Measure” on the November 2022 ballot.

If approved by voters, the measure would enact a 1-cent local sales tax until ended by voters, providing a stable source of locally controlled funds that cannot be taken by the federal, state or county governments.

“Sacramento actions have cost us millions of dollars here in Tehachapi,” said City Manager Greg Garrett. “Between their takeaways and unfunded regulations on our local industries, we have lost $6.5 million over the last several years — $2 million of that in the last year alone. This measure, if enacted, would provide local funds needed to prevent significant cuts to essential services.”

The “Local Control/Essential Services Measure” was placed on the ballot following significant community engagement as part of an effort by the city to maintain local services in the face of rising costs from the County of Kern for fire services and State of California takeaways.

“The City of Tehachapi always puts the voice of local voters first,” continued Garrett. “We had a choice of making cuts to programs and services such as emergency response, public safety and much needed street repairs, or to give our voters the opportunity to consider providing our community with local funding that the state cannot touch. With last night’s action, the council has elected to allow the community to decide. We encourage all eligible City of Tehachapi residents to vote in the upcoming November election.”

The measure includes strict fiscal accountability provisions, including public disclosure of all spending and annual financial audits. No funds can be taken by the county, state or federal governments.

For additional information, visit http://www.liveuptehachapi.com.