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Council directs staff to develop two half-cent sales-tax measures for streets and public safety
Summary
Following an ad-hoc review, council directed staff to prepare two half-cent sales-tax ballot measures (0.5% for streets/infrastructure and 0.5% for public safety) for voter consideration, after discussion about polling, designation and sunset options.
The Fullerton City Council directed staff on May 20 to advance work on placing two half-cent sales-tax measures on a future ballot: one 0.5% measure dedicated to streets and infrastructure and a second 0.5% measure dedicated to public safety. The ad-hoc revenue committee presented options showing each half-cent could generate approximately $15 million annually, while a single 1% general-purpose measure could yield roughly $30 million but requires a different voter threshold.
Interim administrative services staff and the citys consultant presented revenue estimates and noted current city policy (an infrastructure ordinance) that already dedicates 50% of new sales-tax above a base to infrastructure. Councilmembers discussed designated uses, the merits of a sunset clause, polling and the higher two-thirds approval threshold required for a special dedicated purpose measure. Several members urged robust community outreach and an oversight mechanism; others warned two measures on a single ballot could confuse voters.
After discussion, the council voted 5-0 to direct staff and the city attorney to draft ballot language and conduct outreach for the two half-cent, dedicated measures; staff will return with proposed resolutions, polling options, outreach plans and drafts of oversight/administration language before any ballot placement decision.
