Information on Measure C 2026 – Sales Tax Ballot Measure

Background

Santa Maria is a full-service city that provides its own Fire, Police, Water, and other essential public services. The City also maintains citywide infrastructure, including more than 235 miles of streets.

On June 19, 2026, the Santa Maria City Council voted to place a sales tax measure on the November 3, 2026, ballot.

If approved by Santa Maria voters, the local sales tax rate would increase from 8.75% to 9.25%. The current sales tax is distributed as follows:

• 5.50% – State General Fund/County Realignment
• 0.25% – Countywide Transportation Fund
• 0.50% – County Public Safety
• 0.50% – Measure A (Santa Barbara County transportation improvements)
• 1.00% – City General Fund (Bradley-Burns)
• 1.00% – City Measure U

Measure C is separate from Measure U, the one-cent sales tax approved by Santa Maria voters in 2018 with 74% of the vote. Measure C would not replace or change Measure U. While Measure U primarily supports public safety, including Police and Fire, Measure C would provide funding for parks and community facilities, including the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center; recreational programs for youth, adults, and seniors; the library; and roads and streets.

The proposed 0.5% Measure C sales tax would add 5 cents to a $10 purchase, 10 cents to a $20 purchase, or 50 cents to a $100 purchase of taxable goods. Basic necessities, including groceries, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and prescription medications, are not taxed.

What Could Measure C 2026 Fund?

Measure C could generate approximately $13 million annually in additional funding for Santa Maria. This locally controlled funding could support:

• Repair and maintenance of roads, streets, and sidewalks, including pothole repairs
• Maintenance and improvements to parks and community facilities to help keep them clean, safe, and accessible
• Maintaining public access and operating hours at the City library and community facilities, including the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center
• Recreational and educational programs for youth, adults, and seniors

Measure C 2026 Accountability

Similar to Measure U, the proposed 0.5% sales tax would include strict accountability measures:

• Transparent public reporting of all spending, including an annual spending plan
• An independent Citizens Oversight Committee
• All Measure C funds would remain in Santa Maria and could not be taken by the County or State

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Maria approved Measure U in 2018. Why is Measure C needed?

Approximately 59% of the City's General Fund revenue comes from property and sales taxes. While these revenues have increased modestly, the cost of providing City programs and services has risen significantly, including the cost of labor, materials, and contracted services, resulting in a budget shortfall. Community programs and services could be reduced, including park maintenance, and the operation of facilities such as the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center.

Measure U revenue is dedicated to public safety, including Police and Fire, and has helped support and sustain these services.

Measure C would address quality of life and provide funding for other community needs, including parks and recreation, the library, and streets. For example, Measure C funding could help keep the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center open year-round and allow the City to address street repairs more quickly.

Why can't Santa Maria just reduce expenses?

In recent years, California cities, including Santa Maria, have faced national and regional economic conditions that have limited revenue growth while operating costs have continued to increase. These conditions create challenges for the City's long-term fiscal sustainability.

The City has taken steps to control costs and reduce expenses, including eliminating or freezing 60 full-time positions and reducing 59,000 hours of limited service staff (equating to approximately 28 full-time positions), resulting in approximately $12 million in savings.

At the same time, the City must remain competitive in attracting and retaining qualified employees who provide essential services to the community.

While the City has reduced its budget deficit, a shortfall remains and additional positions are at-risk of reduction or elimination. Further reductions in personnel or salaries will mean fewer employees available to meet service demands and increased turnover, potentially reducing service quality.

How do other cities pay for city programs and services?

Cities throughout California and the country vary significantly in size, population, revenue sources, and the services they provide.

Santa Maria is a full-service city that provides public safety, parks and recreation, library, public works, and community development services to residents and businesses.

California cities also vary in the amount of revenue they receive from sources such as sales taxes, property taxes, and hotel stays. Cities may also charge fees for services that directly benefit individuals, households, and applicants, such as building permits and water service.

Santa Maria has adopted a full-cost-recovery model for user services, meaning the general public does not subsidize the cost of these services.

The table below illustrates how revenue sources can vary between cities with different property values and levels of hotel activity. Despite these differences, Santa Maria strives to maintain a high level of service for residents and businesses.