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Mayor urges support for Measure C, saying revenue would stay local and fund parks and pool
Summary
Mayor Martin Gutierrez urged voters to approve Measure C, a proposed 1¢ local sales tax, saying the revenue would remain in McFarland to restore parks and senior programs and reopen the community pool; he proposed an oversight committee for transparency.
Mayor Martin Gutierrez made an extended appeal about a forthcoming local measure (referred to in the meeting as Measure C), describing it as a 1¢ local sales-tax measure that would remain under local control and could fund parks and recreation, reopen the community pool, and restore senior services.
“"This measure, if it passes, we plan to open up that community pool this summer,"” the mayor said, framing the tax as an investment that would return value to McFarland residents. He said prior investments under the current council include repaving more than 50 streets and increases to public safety staffing. The mayor also proposed forming a community oversight committee to ensure appropriations are spent as intended.
In public comment, resident Jim White urged awareness of the measure and suggested the tax could help the parks and recreation district, which he described as near insolvency. Staff and council clarified that the parks and rec district is a separate elected entity that receives its own funds; the mayor emphasized that any measure approved by voters would provide local control over how funds are spent within the city.
No formal vote on the measure took place at the meeting; council discussion focused on outreach and explaining the measure’s purpose to residents.
