Measure J: The Pulse of El Cajon’s Future As November approaches, El Cajon’s residents are poised to make a decision that will shape the City’s future. In early August, the El Cajon City Council voted to place a measure on the ballot, allowing voters to decide whether to continue a 1/2 cent sales tax approved in 2008. This measure included a twenty-year sunset clause and is up for renewal—not as a new tax, but as an extension of the current rate. This article explores the City Council’s decision- making process and what this continued revenue source means for the City and its residents. This isn’t an additional tax, but its renewal is critical to keeping the heartbeat of the City steady. The Significance of Measure J Currently, Measure J generates approximately $13.5 million annually for El Cajon’s General Fund, making up 14% of the total budget. About 75% of this revenue supports public safety: 25% funds the Fire Department’s paramedics and firefighters, while 50% supports the Police Department, including patrol, illegal camping enforcement, crime prevention, crime laboratory, and 911 dispatchers.
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Town Halls and Budget Challenges To engage residents, the City Council hosted evening and weekend town halls across the City. Participants learned how the City budget is funded, where the spending occurs, and what unique constraints are put on the City. Participants at the town halls reviewed the City’s budget and attempted to find ways to cut $13.5 million. The consensus was clear: such a drastic reduction would severely impact public safety services, leading to the closure of a fire station, significant reductions in the police force, and the shutdown of many parks and recreation centers.
Potential Cuts Impact
30
Public Safety Funding
55 SERVICE POSITIONS ARE FUNDED WITH MEASURE J REVENUE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 3%
PARKS & REC 5%
GENERAL GOVERNMENT 10%
168
PUBLIC WORKS 10%
9 53
6
5 27
3 14
2 13
35
POLICE
FIRE RESCUE
PUBLIC WORKS
GENERAL GOV’T
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PARKS & REC
FIRE RESCUE 22%
POLICE 50%
3
AUTUMN ISSUE 2024 • MY EL CAJON
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