Measure A Officially Assigned to the City of Tulare Services Measure

TULARE, Calif. - On the Nov. 3, general municipal election ballot, the City of Tulare's proposed local sales tax measure will officially appear as Measure A, as designated by the Tulare County Registrar of Voters.

Placed on the ballot by a unanimous vote of the City Council on June 2, Measure A asks voters to consider a 1-cent local sales tax increase. If approved by voters, the proposed measure would raise the City's total sales tax rate from 8.25% to 9.25%, keeping the City competitive and matching the rate in neighboring cities. This change is projected to generate approximately $16 million in locally controlled General Fund revenue each year.

Sales tax is Tulare's primary revenue stream and is currently trending downward, with a 3.5% drop projected in fiscal year 2026. Simultaneously, the City faces surging costs tied to inflation, pension obligations and the ongoing homelessness crisis. Despite implementing cost-saving measures such as deferring facility maintenance and capital improvement projects, financial forecasts predict a structural deficit within five years.

"Our role is to ensure our community has full clarity on the City's financial landscape and how local services are delivered in Tulare," said Mayor Patrick Isherwood. "We invite all residents to learn more about Measure A and participate in the upcoming election."

If Measure A is approved by voters, this locally controlled funding would go directly into the City's General Fund which supports services such as maintaining 911 emergency, fire, paramedic, and police response, protecting local youth from gangs and crime, helping prevent thefts and property crimes, addressing the local homelessness crisis, keeping public areas and community parks clean and safe, repairing local roads and potholes, protecting local drinking water sources and preparing for future droughts, and retaining and attracting local businesses.

By law, this proposed sales tax does not apply to everyday essentials like groceries, rent, or prescription medications. Out-of-town visitors who shop or dine in Tulare would contribute to the tax, ensuring that everyone who uses local infrastructure helps pay for it. Currently, Tulare faces an estimated $356.6 million in annual "sales tax leakage" due to residents frequently traveling outside the City limits for retail purchases. Measure A aims to keep more taxpayer dollars circulating locally.

"Transparency means making sure residents have clear, accurate information and meaningful opportunities to ask questions," said City Manager Marc Mondell. "Through virtual and in-person community meetings over the next several months, we hope to help residents better understand Measure A so they can make an informed decision when they vote."

For further details about Measure A, visit the City of Tulare Sales Tax Measure page.

For More Information Contact:
Melissa Wilcox, City Clerk & Public Affairs Director
(559) 684-4200
[email protected]