SAN DIEGO — A new tax aimed at preventing flooding disasters is one step closer to making it onto the November ballot.
Thursday the San Diego City Council Rules Committee voted unanimously to send it to the city attorney's office to craft the language of the measure.
Members heard from several people during public comment, some were affected by the devastating flooding in January.
"This ballot measure is long overdue," said southeast San Diego resident Clariza Marin. "My community is wiped out because of the city's negligence."
However, one member of the public raised concerns about the potential parcel tax rate, which has not yet been set.
Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, who proposed this measure, pointed out there are 1700 San Diegans currently living in hotel rooms because they still can't return to their homes due to flooding.
"This isn't just about the folks who are in hotel rooms right now," said Elo-Rivera. "This is also about the future. This is about creating a San Diego where there is safety for those who live next to storm channels, next to waterways. This is about clean beaches and bays. We need to know we can get into the water without fear of getting sick."
Staff reminded everyone the city faces a $1.6 billion stormwater infrastructure deficit, and the city is regularly out of compliance with water quality standards.
If this measure makes it onto the November ballot, it requires two-thirds of voters to approve it in order to pass.
WATCH RELATED: Residents recovering after flooding in Mountain View, National City (January 2024)