Santa Ana council votes to put Measure X continuation on November ballot

The Santa Ana City Council voted 5–2 to place a November 3, 2026 ballot measure asking voters whether to remove the sunset and rate reduction on the city’s 1.5% local sales tax, often called Measure X.

City finance staff told the council that Measure X has provided funds for police, fire, parks, graffiti removal and other services and warned that, without action, the city could lose about $30 million in revenue when the first scheduled reduction occurs in 2029. "If no action is taken, the city would lose as much as $30,000,000 of revenue in 2029," the presenter said during the staff presentation.

Why it matters: Staff said restoring the current rate as permanent would narrow a projected structural deficit that otherwise could force steep cuts to services residents now receive. The proposed ballot question would require a simple majority to pass, according to staff.

Council debate focused on tradeoffs between long‑term fiscal sustainability and the burden of relying on sales taxes. Councilmember Becerra said Measure X accounts for roughly 20% of the general fund and that the city still faces a structural gap even if the measure passes. Mayor Meskwah said the decision should be made by the city’s voters: "It should be the voters of the city of Santa Ana to make this decision," she said.

Opposition from some council members centered on principles and prior commitments. Councilmember Lopez said she could not support overriding the terms voters approved in 2018 and that the 2018 structure was a deal with residents.

Formal action: The council approved two resolutions to (1) call a municipal election for Nov. 3, 2026 to place the proposed ordinance on the ballot and (2) authorize written arguments for the measure. The motion to approve the resolutions was offered by Mayor Meskwah and seconded by Councilmember Hernandez and passed by roll call, 5 ayes and 2 nays (nay votes recorded by Mayor Pro Tem Penalosa and Councilmember Lopez). Councilmember Fan volunteered to author the written argument in favor of the measure.

What happens next: If the council‑approved measure is certified for the ballot, voters will decide in November. Staff said they would provide additional materials and polling exhibits as part of the public record leading up to the election.

Sources: Staff presentation and council debate at the Santa Ana City Council meeting (presentation opened at SEG 2076; vote concluded at SEG 2686).