Cloverdale Connect: November 2024 Ballot Measures Overview
The City makes great strides to keep you informed about the various departments and initiatives that contribute to our shared progress in Cloverdale. In this edition, we bring you updates on the proposed November 2024 sales tax measure, staffing updates from the Police Department, and recent Parks improvements by our Community Development Department Parks Division. Read on to stay connected and engaged with the City of Cloverdale!
Update on the November 2024 Sales Tax Measure
As we approach the November 2024 elections, Cloverdale’s City Council has been actively working to address the city’s critical financial needs. Following the recent council meetings and community feedback, we have an important update regarding the proposed 3/4 cent sales tax measure that will be on the ballot. This measure aims to generate additional revenue for essential services and infrastructure improvements in Cloverdale.
Background and Need for the Measure
Cloverdale faces significant financial challenges, including a $1,000,000 annual structural operational budget deficit, $17,000,000 needed for a new police station, and $30,000,000 required for road repairs and maintenance. These critical needs cannot be met with the city’s current financial resources alone. To address these challenges, the City Council has proposed a 3/4 cent sales tax measure to be voted on in the upcoming November election.
Key Elements of the Proposed Measure
Financial Context: The city has limited financial capacity to fund critical capital projects and service priorities. Often, budget reserves are used to close expenditure and revenue gaps, but this is not a sustainable solution. The proposed 3/4 cent sales tax increase is expected to generate approximately $1.6 million annually, providing a crucial revenue stream to support Cloverdale’s essential services.
Allocation of Funds: The funds generated from the sales tax increase will be used for:
• Road Repairs and Maintenance: One-third of the city’s roads are rated in poor or very poor condition. It will cost an estimated $5 million over the next five years to maintain their current condition and almost $31 million to bring all roads up to fair or good condition.
• Pedestrian and Safety Improvements: Over $1 million is needed for unfunded pedestrian and safety improvement projects, such as sidewalks along Asti Road and restriping Cloverdale Blvd.
• Park Improvements: The city has identified over $2.5 million for planned improvements at city parks, in addition to ongoing maintenance and repair costs.
• Public Safety: The police station is in poor condition and requires over $10 million for replacement, including at least $250,000 for design and planning. The Police Department also needs regular vehicle and equipment replacements.
Community Feedback and Support: The City Council has gathered valuable feedback from the community through town hall meetings and surveys. Although the Isom Advisors’ study indicated that only 43.1% of respondents supported a 0.75% sales tax increase, the council believes that the proposed measure, with clear communication and accountability, can gain the necessary support.
Comparison with Other Sonoma County Cities: Many cities in Sonoma County have higher sales tax rates to support their infrastructure and services. For instance, Petaluma and Cotati charge a 1% sales tax, while Sonoma charges 0.75%. Healdsburg, with a 0.50% rate, collects significantly more revenue due to higher transaction volumes, generating $1,288,376 quarterly compared to Cloverdale’s $247,460. Additionally, both the City of Sonoma and City of Sebastopol are placing local sales tax measures on the ballot. The proposed 3/4 cent increase in Cloverdale is necessary to ensure adequate funding for essential services.
Oversight and Accountability
To ensure transparency and proper use of funds, the proposed measure includes:
• Annual Audits: The ordinance requires an annual audit of the revenue collected and its expenditures.
• Citizen Oversight Committee: A three-person independent citizens oversight committee will be appointed to review and
report on the revenue and expenditures every five years.
The upcoming sales tax measure is a critical step towards addressing Cloverdale’s financial challenges and ensuring the sustainability of essential services. We urge all residents to review the details of this measure carefully and participate in the November 2024 election. Your vote will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our community.
Cloverdale Police Dept Welcomes Two New Police Officer Trainees
The Cloverdale Police Department is excited to announce the hiring of two new Police Officer Trainees, Uziel Ruiz and Samantha Bono, who will soon be embarking on their training journeys to serve our community.
Meet Our Trainees
Uziel Ruiz: Officer Trainee Uziel Ruiz is set to begin his training at the Santa Rosa JC Police Academy on July 22nd. Uziel brings a strong sense of dedication and community spirit to the department, and we are confident that his training will equip him with the skills necessary to serve Cloverdale with integrity and commitment.
Samantha Bono: Reserve Police Officer Samantha Bono is expected to start the Police Academy in September 2024. Samantha has already shown great promise and dedication in her role as a Reserve Officer, and we look forward to her continued growth and success as she transitions to a full-time Police Officer.
Strengthening Our Force
With the addition of Uziel and Samantha, the Cloverdale Police Department will increase its number of Police Officers to ten. The increase in Police Officers is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and provide exceptional service to our residents.
Chief of Police Chris Parker stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Uziel and Samantha to our team. Their commitment to law enforcement and public service is commendable, and we are confident they will be valuable assets to our department and the community.”
Looking Ahead
The Cloverdale Police Department remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents. The addition of these two trainees underscores our commitment to expanding our capabilities and ensuring that we are well-equipped to meet the needs of our growing community.
We extend our best wishes to Uziel and Samantha as they embark on this important phase of their careers. Stay tuned for more updates on their progress and the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on our city.
Exciting New Cornhole Equipment at Furber Park!
The City of Cloverdale is thrilled to announce the installation of new cornhole equipment at Furber Park, enhancing our community’s recreational options. This improvement stems directly from the feedback received in the recent Furber Park Survey, which highlighted the community’s desire for more engaging park amenities. You can view the full survey results here.
Cornhole, a popular and family-friendly game, is a fantastic addition to the park. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this fun activity. The new cornhole boards are located near the playground area, making it a perfect spot for a day out with family and friends. Bring your friends, challenge your neighbors, and experience the new addition to Furber Park!
This initiative is part of the Parks Division of the Community Development Department’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality park and recreation improvements for our residents. In line with this commitment, we have recently installed new park benches along the winery trail, offering visitors comfortable spots to rest and take in the beautiful surroundings. These enhancements are a testament to our dedication to creating enjoyable and accessible recreational spaces for the Cloverdale community.
We invite you to visit Furber Park, try out the new cornhole equipment, and see the other improvements we’ve made. Your feedback and participation are invaluable as we continue to enhance our parks and recreation facilities. Thank you for supporting our efforts to make Cloverdale a wonderful place to live and play!