A measure being considered for the November ballot in Santa Cruz is expected raise the city’s utility tax. The tax, which would be raised between 1 and 2-percent, is expected to provide more funding for police, fire and other public services. City leaders are considering a financial plan to address budget and service level challenges that would cut costs by recruiting more businesses to Santa Cruz, which leaders say, would also raise sales tax revenue. The plan also includes support for proposition 22, and a utility-tax measure to fund general city services.
