City of Tulare Hosts Community Meetings to Discuss Measure A

TULARE, Calif. - The City of Tulare is hosting two upcoming community meetings to discuss Measure A, the City of Tulare Services Measure. These informational sessions will offer a comprehensive look at the City's financial forecasts and provide details on the proposed 1-cent local sales tax increase that will appear on the November 3, 2026, general municipal election ballot.

Community members will have multiple opportunities to participate and ask questions:

• In-Person Meeting: Wednesday, September 16, at 6 p.m. at Tulare City Hall, 411 E Kern Ave.

The goal of these gatherings is to equip the public with transparent, factual information regarding the City's long-term financial health and the ongoing delivery of local services. Attendees will hear presentations from City staff outlining the budget, an anticipated structural deficit over the next five years and how the proposed measure aims to address rising costs driven by inflation, pension obligations and the local homelessness crisis.

"These community meetings offer a space for residents to hear directly from staff and understand the economic challenges we are navigating," said City Manager Marc Mondell. "Community members will have the opportunity to ask any questions they might have about Measure A."

Tulare's sales tax rate is 8.25%, which is among the lowest of surrounding incorporated cities in Tulare County. If approved by voters, the measure would adjust the local sales tax rate to 9.25%, bringing it in line with neighboring jurisdictions. The measure mandates independent financial audits and public spending disclosures to ensure strict fiscal accountability.

If approved by voters, Measure A is projected to generate roughly $16 million annually in locally controlled revenue for the General Fund, which supports services such as maintaining 911 emergency, fire, and police responses, repairing local streets and potholes, addressing the homelessness crisis, protecting local youth from gang activity, and keeping parks and public areas clean.

Residents who wish to submit questions ahead of the community meeting can email [email protected].

For further details regarding Measure A and the upcoming November election, please 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]