Measure G: Measure G - City of Arcata Tax Measure

In plain language

Measure G asks Arcata voters to extend a 3/4-cent sales tax. Voters first approved this tax in 2008 for 20 years. It is set to end on March 31, 2029. Measure G would keep the tax after that date until voters end it. The city's sales tax rate is 10.25% now, and it would stay the same. This is a general tax. The money goes into the city's general fund and can pay for any lawful city service. The city says the money would keep paying for services such as public safety staff, filling potholes, fixing streets, sidewalks, trails, and bike paths, and more ways to get around. All the money stays in Arcata. A city oversight committee would review the spending every year. A YES vote extends the tax until voters end it. A NO vote does not extend the tax.

Fiscal impact

Keeps the existing 3/4-cent sales tax (total rate stays 10.25%) past March 31, 2029, with no end date until voters end it. It is expected to bring in about $2.8 million a year.

Impartial analysis

EXTENDING THE THREE-FOURTHS OF ONE CENT (3/4¢) TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX (“SALES TAX”) On June 17, 2026, the City Council of the City of Arcata (“City”), acting on its own motion, not by voter petition, voted to place Measure G on the ballot for the November 3, 2026, general municipal election. If approved by a majority of City voters (50% + 1), this measure would extend the existing three-fourths of one cent (3/4¢) transactions and use tax within the City until rescinded by voters. On November 4, 2008, City voters approved a three-fourths of one cent (3/4¢) transactions and use t ax for a twenty (20) year term. Transactions and use taxes, also known as “sales taxes”, are taxes imposed on the sale of tangible personal property at retail, which local agencies are authorized to impose and extend under Revenue and Taxation Code section 7285.9. The three-fourths of one cent (3/4¢) transactions and use tax expires on March 31, 2029. Under the California Constitution, local governments may vo te to extend a sales tax, subject to approval by the voters at an election. This measure would extend the three- fourths of one cent (3/4¢) transactions and use tax within the City upon expiration of the existing three- fourths of one cent (3/4¢) transactions and use tax on March 31, 2029, until rescinded by voters. The City’s current sales tax rate is 10.250%. If the measure passes, the sales tax rate would remain 10.250% The tax would continue to be collected in the same manner as existing sales taxes. It is estimated that extending the three-fourths of one cent (3/4¢) transactions and use tax will provide 2.8 million dollars ($2,800,000) in annual local funding. The transactions and use tax revenue would remain in the City and would not be shared with the State or County. This sales tax is a “general tax”, meaning that revenues raised from the tax go into the City’s general fund to pay for any lawful City program, service, or improvement. According to the City Council, the measure is proposed to continue existing general government funding to maintain essential services including public safety staffing; filling potholes; maintaining and repairing City streets, sidewalks, multi -use trails, and bicycle paths; and expanding multi-modal circulation. The measure would require t h e e x i s ti n g T r a n s a c ti on s a n d U s e T a x O v e r s i g h t C o m m i tt e e to conduct an annual review of all expenditure of revenues generated by the sales tax. A “yes” vote on Measure G will authorize extending the three-fourths of one cent (3/4¢) sales tax until rescinded by voters. A “no” vote on Measure G will not authorize extending the three-fourths of one cent (3/4¢) sales tax until rescinded by voters. The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure G. If you desire a copy of the measure, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at [phone number omitted] or RVarley@CityofArcata.org and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

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.