Vacaville leaders outline $9M shortfall and propose 1-cent sales tax education campaign

Mayor Corley and City Manager Sabita Chaudhary presented a detailed State of the City that described recent accomplishments, outlined a looming general‑fund shortfall and said city staff will launch public education about a possible 1‑cent local sales tax for the November 2026 ballot.

City Manager Sabita Chaudhary told attendees the city’s midyear projections show a general‑fund deficit of roughly $9 million with current cost‑saving measures in place and about $13 million without them. She said staff have delayed 22 positions, cut departmental budgets by 2.5% and used one‑time revenue sources to reduce the gap while seeking longer‑term options.

“Every one‑fourth cent gets us $7,000,000,” Chaudhary said, describing the city’s modeling of different rate scenarios and adding that the council in February authorized staff to begin voter education and outreach but has not taken…