MONTEREY COUNTY — Residents of South Monterey County will have the opportunity to shape the future of local education and community services by voting on various measures in the upcoming Presidential General Election on Nov. 5. Following is a brief summary of the local measures that could affect the region.
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A series of school bond measures are on the November ballot, each requiring a minimum of 55% voter approval for passage:
Measure E
Soledad Unified School District’s Measure E proposes to authorize $42 million in bonds aimed at renovating and improving schools throughout the district. The funds would ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), repair existing facilities and construct a new track and field at Soledad High School. If passed, the measure would levy an average of $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, generating approximately $2.5 million annually.
Measures H and I
Two measures are proposed by the South Monterey County Joint Union High School District, which includes King City and Greenfield high schools.
Measure H seeks $35 million to upgrade deteriorating classrooms and vocational training facilities, including the removal of hazardous materials. It proposes a tax levy of $30 per $100,000 assessed valuation, which would raise about $2.6 million annually.
Measure I focuses on enhancing safety through the upgrade of emergency communication systems, fire alarms and security measures. It also calls for the repair of deteriorating facilities, with similar funding parameters as Measure H.
Measure J
Chualar Union School District’s Measure J aims to issue $5.6 million in bonds for essential repairs and upgrades to the district’s infrastructure. This includes addressing leaky roofs, enhancing safety features and modernizing classrooms and facilities. The measure proposes an average tax rate of $29.79 per $100,000 of assessed value, generating approximately $353,000 annually.
Measures K and L
Two measures are on the ballot for King City Union School District.
Measure K requests $19.8 million for renovations, targeting improvements to leaky roofs, plumbing and electrical systems across various schools. The tax burden would average below $26 per $100,000 assessed valuation.
Measure L proposes $21.6 million to enhance school safety and update classroom technology, with similar funding mechanisms as Measure K.
Measure N
Mission Union Elementary School District in Soledad has proposed Measure N, which seeks to issue $1.5 million in bonds to improve local schools by repairing aging facilities and making necessary safety upgrades. This measure would generate approximately $114,000 annually at a minimal cost to homeowners.
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For these city, county and special district measures, a simple majority (over 50%) voter approval is required for them to pass:
Measure S
The City of Gonzales is presenting Measure S, which seeks to establish a new transactions and use tax, increasing the total sales tax rate by a half-percent (from 8.75% to 9.25%). This measure aims to generate approximately $800,000 annually for general government purposes, including the maintenance and improvement of critical infrastructure, such as the firehouse, streets, roads, sidewalks and parks. The funds raised would remain local, with oversight from an independent citizens’ committee and annual audits to ensure transparency and accountability.
Measure T
Like its South Monterey County counterpart, the City of King is looking to increase the local sales tax rate by a half-percent (from 8.75% to 9.25%) with the proposed Measure T. This measure aims to provide approximately $1.2 million annually for general government uses, including public safety, street improvements, park and facility maintenance and emergency reserves. The funds would remain under local control, with oversight from citizens, annual audits to ensure accountability and a set expiration in 12 years.
Measure AA
In a broader initiative by the County of Monterey, Measure AA proposes a 1% increase in the transaction and use tax for unincorporated areas of Monterey County. This measure aims to fund critical services, such as street maintenance, public safety and homelessness programs, generating an estimated $29 million annually for local use.
Measure DD
Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District’s Measure DD seeks to repeal the commercial cannabis tax established in 2018 to support fire prevention services related to the cannabis industry.
As Election Day approaches, local voters are encouraged to review the measures and consider their potential impacts on the community. Visit montereycountyelections.us for more information.
