In updated, unofficial results, Salida voters reject Measure J fire-service tax
In updated, unofficial election results posted early Wednesday, Salida residents clearly are rejecting Measure J, an annual tax to fund the Salida Fire Protection District.
Partial results from voting centers and mail-in ballots have the measure failing, with 46.2% support and 53.8% opposed. The measure required a two-thirds majority vote to pass.
The tax would have generated $1.9 million, charging residents $126 for a multifamily home or $168 for a single-family home annually.
Heavy commercial buildings would be taxed at 20 cents per square foot, light industrial buildings at 10 cents per square foot, and storage facilities at 5 cents per square foot. Vacant properties would be exempt.
A previous story in The Bee detailed rising costs of providing service to the unincorporated community northwest of Modesto. According to Ballotpedia, the measure would also fund emergency medical response and emergency vehicles and create an independent oversight committee to monitor and audit the funds.
Beginning in 2027, the tax would have been subject to an annual cost-of-living increase.
It is unclear how the budget shortfalls will affect service given the measure’s failure.
This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 9:37 PM.
