Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Consultants tell San Carlos council a half‑cent sales tax is more viable than a $60M bond to fund downtown and services
Summary
A September poll of likely November 2026 voters showed stronger and more durable support for a 1/2‑cent general sales tax (about mid‑60s after messaging tests) than for a $60 million bond (which fell below the two‑thirds threshold after tax‑rate framing). Consultants recommended further vetting, community outreach and a tracking poll before a final decision.
San Carlos consultants presented a voter‑feasibility study on Nov. 10 that found a general 1/2‑cent sales tax to be a more viable revenue path to fund downtown improvements and city services than a $60 million bond.
The consulting team (Team Civics and True North Research) said it surveyed 699 likely November 2026 voters in September and used a split‑sample design to test a bond and a sales tax. The initial 75‑word ballot test produced 60% support for a $60 million bond and 67% support for a half‑cent general sales tax. Because bonds require a two‑thirds threshold and sales taxes require a simple majority, the sales tax began with a stronger electoral position.
Consultants…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
