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Hanford council votes to put transient‑occupancy tax measure on June 2 primary ballot
Summary
Finance staff recommended, and the council directed staff to place the TOT update before voters on the June 2, 2026 primary ballot. Council voted 5‑0 to proceed; staff said outreach will be done in‑house and that current city TOT rate is 8% (last updated in 1985).
The Hanford City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 3 to place a proposed update to the city’s transient‑occupancy tax (TOT) on the June 2, 2026 primary ballot.
Finance staff explained that the city’s TOT rate — paid by overnight visitors — has not been updated since 1985 and that updating the rate would provide a more stable funding source for the general fund. Staff outlined tradeoffs between the June primary and the Nov. general election: the primary would allow earlier implementation if the measure passes but typically draws lower turnout; November would have higher turnout and slightly different ballot costs.
As finance staff summarized, “TOT is paid by overnight visitors, not local residents.” Councilmembers debated outreach strategy and whether to hire outside consultants; staff said outreach would be handled in‑house, primarily via social media, and indicated readiness to begin public education immediately.
Councilmember discussion favored moving quickly so the city can begin collecting revenue sooner if voters approve; council voted 5‑0 to place the measure on the June primary ballot. The motion passed and staff will prepare the resolution and ballot materials and begin in‑house outreach.
Next steps: Staff to draft the resolution and voter‑education materials and return to council with the ballot language and outreach plan.
