Grand Terrace council authorizes general tax push after poll shows majority support

The Grand Terrace City Council voted to move forward with a general tax ballot measure after staff presented polling that showed roughly 59.9% support for a general tax option and weaker—but higher-appeal—support for a special tax that did not clear the 66.7% threshold.

City Manager Conrad summarized the polling and urged the council to pick the measure most likely to succeed. “The general tax had a 59.9%, positive polling,” Conrad said, citing the survey’s topline numbers and the poll’s margin of error. He explained that a special tax attracts stronger support from those who prioritize dedicated public-safety funding but requires a two-thirds voter approval that the poll did not clearly show.

Why it matters: The council’s action sets in motion the next steps for placing a measure before voters. A general tax requires a 50% plus-one approval at the ballot box and offers greater flexibility in how the city may allocate revenues; a special tax would lock revenue to a specified purpose but is harder to pass. Council members discussed accountability measures and outreach to undecided voters.

Councilmember Wilson, who made the motion to proceed, said the city must “rewrite the narrative” to inform residents and reach undecided voters. Councilmember Brown emphasized he supports dedicating funds to public safety but said that a general tax, if well governed and paired with oversight, could achieve the same results. The city attorney reminded the council that placing a council-initiated measure would require a four-fifths vote on the council to proceed to ballot and, if approved by voters, the general tax would be approved by 50% plus one of voters.

Procedure and next steps: Council voted to direct staff to prepare necessary resolutions and ordinance language for a council-initiated general tax and return at a future meeting for formal adoption of ballot documents. City staff noted the polling cost (~$16,000) and discussed options such as additional outreach, further polling to narrow the margin of error, or pursuing a citizen-initiative path that would reduce the voter threshold but require a signature drive.

What was said: Lawmakers and staff focused on messaging and safeguards for public confidence. Conrad said the polling showed residents are aware of fiscal challenges and prioritize public safety. Councilmember Wilson stressed that the council must follow through on accountability and recommended outreach to persuade undecided voters. Councilmember Brown suggested a citizen oversight committee as one method to provide transparency if the council places a general tax on the ballot.

What’s next: Staff will return with the draft resolutions, ordinance language for a first reading, and a timeline for the ballot process. The council’s vote to direct preparation of ballot materials passed with four votes in favor and one abstention by Mayor Pro Tem Sabino.