Storm drain funding and proposed storm drain utility
Santa Barbara
Summary
A wet year drained the Measure C drainage fund, including ~$1M to clear the Caltrans culvert under the 101. Staff are studying a storm drain utility fee — a Prop 218 majority-protest vote, not a citywide tax — to fund drainage without depleting creeks funds.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 9, 2026.
Impact analysis
$500K requested for storm drain maintenance in FY2027; a new utility fee could shift costs to affected properties.
Properties prone to flooding would see dedicated drainage funding.
Property owners in the utility area would pay a new fee.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Special City Council Meeting — April 9, 2026
A wet year drained the Measure C drainage fund, including ~$1M to clear the Caltrans culvert under the 101. Staff are studying a storm drain utility fee — a Prop 218 majority-protest vote, not a citywide tax — to fund drainage without depleting creeks funds.
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