Salinas City Council postpones Measure G sales tax measure, looks to add it to ballot in 2026

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) - Salinas City Council decided not to place the Measure G sales tax renewal on the ballot for 2024, but is considering it for 2026. The city is now hoping to take the next two years to build up the case for this one-cent tax renewal.

“It has been able to, to create positions within the library, parks and recreation, police… as well as other services, the infrastructure, sidewalks, street," Salinas District 2 Councilmember Tony Barrera said.

During Tuesday night's city council meeting, the city showed a survey with a possible 60% support for Measure G.

With roughly $20 million per year in tax revenue on the line, some are worried about the consequences of it not being renewed.

“I actually believe that if voters don't approve the renewal of this, they could actually file for bankruptcy. That's how important that sales tax is now," Government Affairs Director for Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce Kevin Dayton said.

Kevin Dayton, like all council members believes this measure is crucial to the cities financial future. He’s hoping the city addresses some issues before it hits the ballot.

“There's been issues with not knowing where the money is being spent issues of accountability, difficulty for the Measure G oversight committee from finding out how the money is being spent," Dayton said.

The topic of transparency behind Measure G is something many during public comment also shared. The city also looking at addressing those concerns.

“Our responsibility is to sit at the table with them, and see if we can convince them that we're spending their money wisely and make them part of the decision," Councilmember Dayton said.

Measure G was originally passed by city voters in 2014 for a 15-year period.