Ten Valley Cities and Counties Put Sales Tax Measures Before Voters, From Shafter to Merced

Ten cities and counties between Merced and Kern counties have placed sales tax measures on the midterm ballot, hoping to raise money for public services. Most are asking for a general tax increase, which means the revenue could be used for general governmental purposes.

In Shafter, about 30 residents attended a public meeting earlier this month at the city's Veteran's Hall to hear City Manager Lance Lippincott explain Measure Q. The proposal would raise the sales tax on purchases made in the city from 7.25% to 8.25%. It was one of two meetings city leaders held on the measure.

"We're estimating that this will create about another $4 million in sales tax revenue for the city per year," Lippincott told residents. The money would go toward hiring more police, improving parks and fixing streets. Shafter currently has the lowest sales tax rate of any city in Kern County, while residents of other cities pay as much as 9.25%.

Lippincott said Shafter is growing rapidly and that officials want a cash surplus to help expand services. He said it is surprising the city has operated at its current rate for so long. Some residents worried that the measure would add to their cost of living as prices rise. Lippincott responded that many Shafter residents already shop in cities with higher rates, since Shafter has no major retail or grocery stores. He also said he did not want to wait until the city had to "declare a fiscal emergency" and consider cuts.

In Merced, voters will decide on Measure B, a 1% sales tax increase. The current rate is 8.25%, and city officials estimate the measure would raise about $18 million a year. In Tulare County, Dinuba's Measure S proposes a 0.75% increase expected to bring in $3.4 million annually for essential services, public safety and city improvements. The city of Tulare is seeking a 1% general increase through Measure A, estimated to generate $16 million. Tulare's 8.25% rate is the lowest in the county.

Fresno County has four measures on the ballot. Measure J would raise Coalinga's sales tax by 1% from the current 8.975%, and is expected to produce $2 million a year. Fowler's Measure T would add 0.5% to its 8.975% rate and generate about $300,000 annually for general city services.

The other two Fresno County measures respond to the expiration next year of Measure C, a 0.5% transportation sales tax that county residents have paid for 40 years. Countywide Measure S would replace it with a new 0.5% tax, estimated to raise $7.4 billion over 30 years. It would direct 65% of funds to neighborhood roads, nearly double the share in Measure C.

Measure D in the city of Fresno would also replace the lost 0.5% tax, and is expected to raise $65 million annually for ten years. City leaders proposed it when it was unclear that Measure S would reach the ballot. If both pass, Measure D is written to sunset once Measure S takes effect.

Kern County has three measures. Besides Shafter's Measure Q, Measure H would raise Arvin's 8.25% sales tax by 1% and is estimated to generate $2.35 million a year. Measure Z is a countywide 0.125% tax for a single purpose: improvements and operations at Calm Zoo in Bakersfield. Officials anticipate it would bring in $24 million annually.