Isla Vista, CA - The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) Board unanimously approved the $1.46 million 2021-22 fiscal year budget at the August 24th Board meeting. The budget outlines diversified funding sources with roughly a third of the revenue outside of the Utility User’s Tax. The budget reflects community vision and a statement of values for the Isla Vista community. The budget delivers quality services while strengthening and expanding in a scalable manner.
From March 2021 to June 2021, IVCSD sent out the 2021-2022 Budget Priorities Survey which was intended to capture the priorities of residents, gather feedback on current services, and brainstorm new services IVCSD may explore. COVID-19 limited the level of engagement but IVCSD still received 99 unduplicated responses to the survey. A Budget Town Hall was also held to discuss the budget as it was currently being developed and explore the community’s needs and ideas. Community members were invited to the Finance Committee meetings as well as the Board meeting to provide comments.
Feedback in the Budget Priorities Survey prioritized the need for an overall cleaner community. In partnership with United Way of Northern Santa Barbara County, Isla Vista Beautiful will expand for another full year of operation and include a part-time coordinator and 4 crew members at 20hrs per week of beautification services. Community members can report issues like graffiti and garbage via the SeeClickFix app and now there is more staff able to respond.