SALINAS VALLEY — Voters in Salinas Valley will decide Nov. 3 on measures affecting local school governance, city services and recreation programs, including proposals to continue Greenfield’s sales tax and establish funding for the Soledad-Mission Recreation District.
The ballot also includes a proposed reorganization of South Monterey County’s school districts and a county hotel tax increase that would apply only in unincorporated areas.
Here is a look at the four measures.
Measure O: Greenfield sales tax
Measure O asks Greenfield voters to reauthorize the city’s existing 0.75% sales tax, which is estimated to generate $1.4 million annually.
The measure would continue funding for public safety, youth recreation programs, code enforcement and other essential city services.
The proposed tax would be subject to annual audits and review by a city-established oversight committee. If approved, it would expire March 31, 2033.
A majority vote is required.
Measure U: Soledad-Mission Recreation District
Measure U would establish a special tax to help fund the Soledad-Mission Recreation District’s facilities, staffing and programs.
The district has identified needs involving maintenance, administration, recreation programming and capital reserves, including support for the Soledad Swimming Pool.
The measure aims to help keep programs affordable, improve access for people with disabilities, maintain swimming and recreation opportunities for all ages, and support youth activities, such as T-ball, soccer and day camp.
The tax would be based on building square footage on developed properties rather than a property’s assessed value. The official ballot materials list a rate of 3.5 cents per building square foot, with unimproved property not subject to the tax. The district estimates the measure would generate approximately $292,000 annually.
If approved, the tax would begin in 2027 and continue until voters end it. Beginning in 2028, the maximum rate could increase annually based on inflation, subject to a limit of 3% in any fiscal year.
The measure calls for an independent citizens’ oversight committee, an annual independent audit and annual reporting on revenue, expenditures and the status of projects and programs.
Passage requires a two-thirds vote.
Measure J: School district reorganization
Measure J asks voters within the boundaries of South Monterey County Joint Union High School District — which recently regained full local control — to approve a reorganization that would create two unified school districts.
The proposal would establish Greenfield Unified School District, covering Greenfield High School and the territory of the existing Greenfield Union School District, and King City Joint Unified School District, covering King City High School and the territory of the existing King City Union School District.
The current Greenfield Union School District, King City Union School District and South Monterey County Joint Union High School District would be dissolved. If approved by voters, the new unified school districts would take effect in the 2028-29 school year.
California State Board of Education approved the reorganization plans July 8. The proposal also includes requests from five elementary school districts — San Lucas, San Ardo, Bradley, San Antonio and Bitterwater-Tully — to become component districts of the new King City Joint Unified School District.
The measure also coordinates elections for the new districts’ governing boards with the reorganization vote. If voters approve the proposal, the newly elected boards would be ready to govern. If it fails, the existing districts and boards would remain in place.
A majority vote is required for passage.
Measure E: County hotel tax increase
Measure E would increase Monterey County’s transient occupancy tax in unincorporated areas from 10.5% to 12.5%, generating an estimated $7.6 million annually.
The tax is paid by guests staying 30 days or less at hotels, motels, inns and other lodging establishments. The increase would apply only in unincorporated areas of the county, not within incorporated cities, such as Greenfield, Soledad and Gonzales.
Revenue would go into the county’s general fund to support local services and help offset costs associated with tourism. Potential uses include road repairs, water and sewer infrastructure, emergency services, libraries, parks, healthcare and efforts to reduce homelessness.
The tax would remain in place until voters end it. A majority vote is required for approval.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Monterey County voters can find local ballot information, including candidate lists and measures, at MontereyCountyElections.us. For information on statewide candidates and ballot measures, visit sos.ca.gov/elections.
