Santa Maria – The City of Santa Maria is urging voters to attend the final town hall on Measure C, scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Thursday at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center. The meeting comes just days before the November 3, 2026, ballot deadline and a week before the midterm election.
What Measure C proposes
Measure C would raise the municipal sales‑tax rate from 8.75 % to 9.25 %, an increase expected to generate roughly $13 million in additional revenue each year. City staff say the funds would be earmarked for critical infrastructure and community services, including:
- Repairing potholes and resurfacing streets to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.
- Maintaining current operating hours at the Santa Maria Public Library, preventing future cutbacks.
- Keeping the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center open year‑round, avoiding seasonal closures.
- Supporting recreation and educational programs for youth, adults, and seniors.
The proposal is structured as a general‑services measure and includes accountability safeguards such as an independent annual audit and a Citizens Oversight Committee.
Details of the final town hall
The one‑hour session will run from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 510 East Park Street, with Spanish interpretation services provided for non‑English‑speaking attendees. City representatives will first outline the fiscal parameters of Measure C before opening the floor to questions and concerns from the public.
Context and recent controversy
Opponents of Measure C have highlighted a recent council decision to increase council member stipends by 20 % on August 4, 2026, a raise that will take effect in December 2026. Critics argue that council members are seeking higher personal compensation while asking residents to fund a new tax to address a structural budget deficit.
City officials counter that the stipend increase is drawn from general‑fund allocations that are separate from the infrastructure projects listed on the ballot. They stress that the measure’s revenue is dedicated solely to the services described above and that the stipend issue does not affect the fiscal integrity of Measure C.
Why attendance matters
With the election only a week away, the final town hall offers the last opportunity for Santa Maria residents to hear directly from city staff, ask clarifying questions, and gauge how the proposed tax increase aligns with their priorities for public safety, library access, and community recreation.
Additional information about Measure C, including the official ballot language and financial projections, is available on the City of Santa Maria’s Election Page.
Next steps for voters
Voters who support the measure will see a higher sales‑tax rate applied to most retail purchases, while those opposed will retain the current 8.75 % rate. The decision will be made at the November 3, 2026, election, where Santa Maria residents will also vote on other local and state contests.
City staff encourage all community members—especially parents, seniors, and small‑business owners—to attend the town hall, review the detailed financial outlook, and make an informed choice at the ballot box.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
