Measure to increase sales tax in Ceres will hit November ballot after 4-1 vote

The Ceres City Council voted 4-1 last week to place a one-cent sales tax measure on the ballot in November. If passed, the measure would increase the tax from 8.375% to 9.375% — the highest in Stanislaus County. Councilmember James Casey cast the lone opposing vote.

The sales tax increase would result in about $9.4 million in new revenue for the general fund, which would help the city as it considers cuts to services in an attempt to balance the budget.

In addition, the city has faced growing costs of contracting with the Modesto Fire Department, with the price tag of those services projected to double over the time of the agreement, according to The Ceres Courier.

The council cited increased expenses that have exceeded the city’s revenue as a reason for advancing the measure. Approximately 73% of voters were supportive of the tax, stating that additional funding was needed to strengthen public safety in the city, according to an interview conducted of 311 voters in the city.

Other residents have opposed the tax increase, stating their concerns for those struggling financially or with a fixed income as the cost of living continues to rise, the Courier reported. They also are concerned with the measure’s vague language, which doesn’t restrict revenue generated to public safety efforts.

According to the city’s Community Issues Survey, the revenue generated from an increased sales tax is slated to fund the fire and police departments, along with dispatch services. However, it can also be used to “repair streets/potholes; clear encampments/ address homelessness; improve parks/playgrounds; maintain youth recreation, senior programs and other General Fund services. …”

“If the money is not legally restricted to 911 response, police staffing or emergency services, then the title is misleading,” Josh Steely, a Ceres resident, said at the City Council meeting.” It may be spent on those things, but it can also be used for general city operations. Voters deserve plain language.”