Finance committee hears Measure G renewal planning as staff outlines revenue, positions funded
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Summary
The Salinas Finance Committee on Oct. 14 received an update on Measure G funding, including projected sales-tax revenue, staffing paid by the measure and early planning steps for a renewal before the measure's 2030 expiration; the committee also approved the Sept. 9 minutes.
The Salinas Finance Committee on Oct. 14 approved the minutes of its Sept. 9 meeting and received a Measure G update from Finance Director Selena Andrews, who detailed sales-tax revenue projections, the number of full-time positions paid with Measure G and early steps to plan a potential renewal ahead of the measure's expiration.
Andrews told the committee staff projects combined sales-tax receipts of about $91 million for the fiscal year, including $39,300,000 in general sales tax, $34,500,000 from Measure G and $17,200,000 from Measure E. She said Measure G currently funds 106.5 full-time positions across city departments, with the largest allocations going to Public Works, the Police Department and Recreation.
"This slide represents the funding, by department from largest allocation to the smallest," Andrews said during her presentation. She noted those figures reflect how the fiscal 2024–25 budget was assembled rather than actual receipts to date.
Why it matters: Andrews reminded committee members that Measure G is a significant revenue source for the city budget and will expire in February 2030. Early planning is underway to return the measure to voters. "Staff is starting to internally plan for, to bring Measure G back to its residents," Andrews said. She reported that an RFP for a revenue-measure strategist and work on public polling are already under way.
Committee members and staff stressed timing and the scale of potential fiscal adjustments if a renewal attempt fails. Mayor Donahue said the city has "several opportunities to get to the voters" in 2026 or 2028 but that adjusting a budget of this size will take multiple years. "We have to start pumping the brakes," Donahue said, saying a multi-year approach would be necessary if revenue from Measure G were to lapse.
Councilmember Margaret D'Arrigo, who moved to approve the minutes at the start of the meeting, said the measurement funds provide critical services. "I think we all recognize the importance of those two measures for us to function as a city," D'Arrigo said, thanking staff and noting the role Measure G plays in funding public-safety positions.
Staff said the city will return to the council with polling results, proposed communication plans and recommendations about which election to target. Andrews said any measure would have to be placed on a ballot by June of the chosen election year and that staff will bring proposals to council for review.
Committee members asked for clarity on how much of specific departments are funded by Measure G: Andrews said Measure G supports roughly one-third (33%) of Public Works positions and about 14% of Police Department positions (figures presented as part of the staff slides).
Votes at a glance
- Motion: Approve minutes of Sept. 9, 2025. Mover: Councilmember Margaret D'Arrigo. Second: Councilmember De La Rosa. Vote: D'Arrigo — Aye; De La Rosa — Aye; Mayor Donahue — Aye. Outcome: Approved.
What happens next: Staff will continue internal planning, report back to the finance committee and city council with polling results and recommended election timing, and provide materials to help councilmembers explain the measure's purpose to constituents. The committee considered the Measure G report received without additional formal action.
Ending: The committee received the report and directed staff to return with updates on the strategist RFP, polling plans and draft voter materials so councilmembers can review and advise on next steps before any ballot placement.
