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Temple City council affirms priorities for proposed Measure TC sales tax
Summary
The council adopted Resolution 26‑5855 to express priorities for a proposed 3/4‑percent sales tax (Measure TC) — streets, public safety and parks — while city attorney and staff clarified the ballot language is a general tax and cannot permanently bind future councils; staff will return with pavement management and strategic‑planning materials.
The Temple City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 26‑5855 outlining the council’s intended priorities for revenue from a proposed 3/4‑percent transaction and use tax (Measure TC) to appear on the March 3, 2026 ballot.
Staff said polling and community outreach conducted in 2024–25 showed voter support for a 3/4‑percent measure and identified street maintenance, public safety and parks as top priorities. The resolution expresses the council’s intent that, if Measure TC passes, those priorities guide the use of Measure TC revenue.
City Attorney Greg reminded the council that Measure TC is a general tax under California law, meaning the city cannot legally bind all future councils to spend the funds only on the stated priorities; the city can, however, track revenues and report back through budget and audit processes. Council members discussed how to make the city’s intent transparent — for example, through a pavement management plan, strategic plan updates and separate budget line items — and directed staff to return with the pavement management plan and related strategic documents.
Public commenter Jerry Jambasian and council members also asked about outreach and advocacy rules after a measure is placed on the ballot; the city attorney said state law limits use of public funds for advocacy but allows neutral factual statements. Council members discussed that resident committees or independent groups typically undertake advocacy work once a measure is on the ballot.
On a unanimous roll call the council adopted Resolution 26‑5855 affirming the priorities to be associated with Measure TC if approved by voters.
