Measure D: Measure D - City of Fortuna

In plain language

Measure D asks Fortuna voters to add a new three-quarter-cent sales tax in the city. It would start April 1, 2027. The city already has a separate three-quarter-cent sales tax that ends March 31, 2033. Until then, the two taxes together would make the city's rate 1.5%. The new tax would keep going after 2033 unless voters repeal it, or the City Council lowers or ends it as the law allows. It is a general tax. That means the money can be used for any proper city purpose. Examples named include public safety, police staffing, street and pothole repair, programs for seniors and youth, and parks. The money would be checked by independent audits and community oversight, and all of it stays in Fortuna. A YES vote approves the added tax. A NO vote rejects it. It needs a majority vote to pass.

Fiscal impact

Adds a three-quarter-cent (0.75%) sales tax starting April 1, 2027. It is estimated to raise about $1.8 million a year. It lasts until ended by voters, or until lowered or repealed by the City Council as the law allows. Combined with the existing tax, the city rate would be 1.5% through March 31, 2033.

Impartial analysis

THE PROPOSAL: Measure D asks the voters whether the City of Fortuna should authorize an additional three-quarters of one percent (¾-cent) transactions and use tax, commonly known as a “sales tax,” beginning April 1, 2027. The City currently imposes a separate ¾-cent transactions and use tax that is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2033. If Measure D is approved, the combined City transactions and use tax rate will be 1.5% from April 1, 2027, through March 31, 2033. HOW IT GOT HERE: Fortuna voters approved the existing ¾-cent tax as Measure E in 2016. In 2020, voters approved Measure G, which extended that tax through March 31, 2033. The City Council placed Measure D on the ballot to authorize an additional ¾-cent transactions and use tax. HOW IT WORKS: Beginning April 1, 2027, the additional ¾-cent tax would apply to taxable retail sales within the City, with a corresponding use tax on taxable tangible personal property stored, used, or otherwise consumed in the City. The tax would be administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The existing ¾-cent tax remains scheduled to expire on March 31, 2033. The additional ¾-cent tax authorized by Measure D would continue after that date unless repealed by the voters or reduced or repealed by the City Council to the extent permitted by law. HOW THE REVENUE MAY BE USED: Measure D is a general tax. Revenue generated by the measure may be used for any legitimate City governmental purpose, including public safety, police staffing, street and pothole repair, programs for seniors and youth, and park maintenance. The measure is estimated to generate approximately $1.8 million annually. Revenues are subject to independent audit and community oversight. A “Yes” vote is a vote to approve the additional ¾-cent transactions and use tax. A “No” vote is a vote against the additional ¾-cent transactions and use tax. Measure D requires approval by a majority of the voters voting on the measure. /s/ Ryan T. Plotz City Attorney, City of Fortuna

Official ballot arguments

Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.

The official arguments will appear here once both sides’ arguments are on file.