El Centro council places half‑cent sales tax measure on November ballot to fund roads, parks and public safety

The El Centro City Council voted unanimously to place a proposed half‑cent local sales tax measure on the November 2026 ballot after a detailed presentation from City Manager Robert Sawyer explaining infrastructure shortfalls and service gaps.

Sawyer framed the proposal as a revenue measure to address deferred needs across roads, parks, library services and public safety. "We don't want to survive. We really want to strive and thrive," Sawyer said, summarizing the rationale for asking voters to consider additional local sales tax revenue.

Why it matters: City staff estimate the one-half cent measure would raise roughly $8.4 million per year for local priorities if approved by voters. Unlike a property tax, the sales tax applies to purchases in the city and captures revenue from visitors and cross-border shoppers as well as residents, Sawyer said.

Planned uses and safeguards: City materials presented to the council list public safety (staffing and equipment), street repairs and transportation projects, expanded parks and recreation programming, and library services among eligible uses. The measure would remain under local council oversight, include independent audits, and require public reporting on expenditures.

Council debate and public questions: Council members raised staffing and implementation questions. The police staffing gap was a focal point: staff said the department currently has about 54 sworn officers and is roughly 24 officers short of the council—s stated target (1.75 officers per 1,000 residents). Councilmembers emphasized fiscal oversight and that Measure P had previously funded police and library capital projects.

Outcome: Council adopted the resolution to place the half‑cent sales tax on the ballot (motion passed 4—0). The city will proceed with public workshops and outreach ahead of the election to inform voters about the measure's proposed uses and oversight measures.