Watch the
Information About Measure T Video
Preserving Quality of Life and City Services in Redlands –
Information About Local Funding Measure
Here in Redlands, we’re a big town with a small town feel. As
Redlands prepares for the future, we strive to preserve our city
services and residents’ quality of life.
Redlands is one of the few cities in the County with its own
Police and Fire Departments, guaranteeing our police and
firefighter/paramedics are available when needed and not diverted
to service other cities. However, calls for 9-1-1 emergencies and
fire risks are much higher than in the past, and the City has
fewer police officers and firefighter/paramedics in Redlands
today than 10 years ago.
Additionally, the City’s streets, sidewalks, parks, storm drains
and other infrastructure require basic repairs and maintenance.
When these repairs are not addressed, they become a lot more
expensive to repair in the future.
Measure T: Redlands Local Sales Tax Measure for City
Services
Though the City has created a balanced budget every year for the
past 12 years, the scope of the City’s needs is greater than the
current resources available. Despite being fiscally conservative,
the City is facing a $5.6 million budget shortfall that is
expected to widen in the future due to the current economic
climate.
To preserve public safety, city services and local
infrastructure, the Redlands City Council recently voted
unanimously to place Measure T, a one-cent sales tax measure, on
the November 2020 ballot. Measure T could tackle needs across the
community, including but not limited to:
- Addressing the homeless problem
- Maintaining police services including neighborhood police
patrols, crime prevention and investigations
- Reducing gang activity and drug-related crimes
- Keeping public areas, parks and recreation facilities
well-maintained and free of graffiti and maintaining public
buildings and infrastructure including sidewalks, curbs and storm
drains
- Providing fire protection and paramedic services and
replacing outdated lifesaving and firefighting equipment
Fiscal Accountability Required
Measure T would require fiscal accountability protections,
including:
- Currently, nearly all of the sales tax generated locally goes
to the State or the County – all money raised by Measure T would
stay in Redlands to address local needs
- By law, no funds could be taken away by the State
- A clear system of accountability would be required, including
independent citizens’ oversight and annual audits
- Groceries, prescription medicine and other essential items
would be excluded from the cost of Measure T
For More Information
If you would like to learn more about Measure T and local
priorities for the City of Redlands, contact Public Information
Officer Carl Baker at (909) 798-7687 or email: info@cityofredlands.org.
Links and Downloads
Informational Handout
Community Mailer 1
Community Mailer 2
June 16, 2020 City Council Presentation on Voter Survey Results
Community PowerPoint Presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
