Goleta Councilmembers Ramp Up Anti-RNA Effort

Goleta City Councilmember Jim Farr has launched “Fair Play,” his citizens’ group made up of 50-plus community members, business owners, and Mayor Michael Bennett, who want to end the city’s tax-sharing deal — known as the revenue-neutrality agreement (RNA) — with the county. Critics call it unfair for the city to pay millions to the county annually (through percentages of property and sales taxes); the county counters that it forgave $1.5 million loaned to the city upon incorporation and that voters approved the plan along with cityhood. A poll on the group’s website suggests Goleta could use the money for bike paths, public art, more parks, and an upgraded traffic grid.