Measure T: Measure T : El Centro Public Safety / City Services Measure

In plain language

Measure T would create a new half-cent sales tax in El Centro. The money would pay for city services. A YES vote adds this tax to maintain 911 response and help prevent crime. It would keep firefighters, paramedics, and police. It would repair streets and keep parks safe and clean. It would fund youth, senior, and library programs. The measure requires audits and public spending reports. A NO vote does not create this new sales tax.

Fiscal impact

A half-cent (0.5%) sales tax raising about $8,400,000 a year, with no end date unless voters end it.

Impartial analysis

The City Council of El Centro placed Measure T on the ballot for the November 3, 2026, election (“Measure”). The City of El Centro (“City”) currently imposes a 0.5% transactions and use tax. This transactions and use tax is a general tax where the tax revenue collected is placed in the City’s general f und for general governmental purposes. This Measure, if approved by voters, adds a new Article VII to Chapter 25 of the El Centro City Code, which establishes a new additional 0.5% transactions and use tax so that the total transactions and use tax rate is 1%. This tax will be in effect until ended by voters. This tax would be assessed on the sale of tangible goods and the storage, use, or other consumption of such goods. This tax would be paid in addition to current sales taxes and would be collected at the same time and in the same manner as existing sales ta xes. Both visitors and City residents would pay this tax on retail sales activity in the City of El Centro. Certain purchases, such as groceries or prescription medicine, would be exempt from the tax. The specific transactions and uses subject to the tax w ould be determined under State law and the regulations of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (“CDTFA”). The CDTFA would administer the tax under contract with the City. If approved, this Measure is a general tax and will generate approximately $8,400,000 annually in additional revenue until ended by voters. Funds generated by the tax would be placed in the City’s general fund, are not restricted, and may be used for any C ity general fund purpose. Further, it would be subject to annual independent auditing. A “YES” vote is a vote to approve the Measure. A “NO” vote is a vote against the Measure. The Measure would take effect only if it receives a majority “YES” vote at the November 3, 2026, election. The above statement is an impartial analysis of the Measure. If you desire a copy of the Measure, please call the City of El Centro’s City Clerk’s Office at 760 -337-4564 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.