Our latest Santa Monica Pulse poll asked residents to weigh in on some recent proposals from City Council.

The City Council voted for staff to explore a policy that would almost triple the individual contribution limit for candidate campaigns (raising the limit from $410 to $1,500). Proponents say the proposed ordinance would diminish the out-sized influence of Independent Expenditure (IE) Committees, or PACs in council races. Critics see it as a way for Councilmembers to bolster their campaign accounts.

When asked if they supported or opposed raising the contribution limit for individuals, more than half (54 percent) said they opposed it. 21 percent said they supported it, and 24 percent were unsure.

The City Council is considering a $460 million bond measure to pay for capital projects that would normally be funded by City revenues. The bond would generate revenue by taxing Santa Monica property owners and would likely be the largest bond in the City’s history. The bond is being considered in light of the city’s poor financial outlook — a five-year forecast shows that its General Fund expenditures will “significantly exceed revenues” over the next three fiscal years.

When asked if they supported the $460 million bond, almost 87 percent said no. Only seven percent said they supported it, and another six percent were unsure.

Last week, Santa Monica’s finance director reported that the city’s budget is in a “structural deficit” and the city must further pull from “already depleted” reserves to cover costs. When asked what the top priority should be for the City Council, 64 percent said cutting spending. Only six percent said it should be to borrow money and raise taxes to maintain existing levels of spending.

About 29 percent said “something else” and wrote in their own comment. Of those who wrote in, many suggested the city should cut staff salaries. Others suggested reducing homelessness and crime would bolster business and tourism in the area.