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Council places 1% transaction-and-use tax measure on Nov. 3 ballot; first reading of ordinance approved
Summary
The council unanimously adopted a resolution to place a 1% transaction-and-use (sales) tax measure on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot, directed the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis, approved minor corrections to ballot wording, and approved the ordinance for first reading; staff estimates the measure would raise about $1.2 million annually.
The Grand Terrace City Council voted unanimously to place a proposed 1% transaction-and-use tax (a general sales tax) on the Nov. 3, 2026 municipal ballot and approved the ordinance for first reading.
City Attorney Adrian presented the measure and summarized its provisions: "It is a transactional use tax at a rate of 1%." Adrian said staff estimates the tax would provide "approximately 1,200,000 annually for general city use" and noted an anticipated administration fee by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration of up to $175,000. Adrian explained the council would adopt a resolution ordering submission of the measure, set rules for primary and rebuttal arguments, and direct the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis. The council discussed whether to pursue a general tax or a special tax dedicated to law enforcement, the risk of putting competing measures on the ballot, and the option for voters later to pursue a special-purpose measure.
Councilmembers debated adding an independent advisory oversight committee to review tax revenues and expenditures. Adrian proposed language establishing an advisory committee to "meet publicly to review all revenues and expenditures of the transaction and use tax imposed by this chapter, review annual audit reports related to the tax, and make at least one written annual report to the city council." The council indicated support for forming a committee and staff said it could be incorporated by resolution.
During public comment, Jeremy Briggs urged a special tax dedicated to deputies, saying, "General tax is not what the residents want," and arguing residents wanted assurance funds would go to law enforcement. An emailed public comment from Johan Gallo urged a 1% rate to match surrounding communities and cited concerns about response times and sheriff staffing. After discussion and two minor typographical corrections to the resolution and ballot wording, the council adopted the resolution and then approved the ordinance for first reading; the motions passed unanimously.
What’s next: The resolution to place the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot was adopted; the city attorney will prepare the impartial analysis and staff will complete election submittals with the county by the city’s deadlines.
