SALINAS VALLEY — Voters in Gonzales and King City are leaning toward rejecting two local tax measures intended to boost funding for city improvements, according to Monterey County’s latest results in the Presidential General Election held on Nov. 5.
Both measures, Measure S in Gonzales and Measure T in King City, require a simple majority — over 50% voter approval — to pass, but early returns show them falling short of that threshold.
Measure S proposes to raise the sales tax in Gonzales by 0.5%, increasing the rate from 8.75% to 9.25%. This adjustment aims to generate approximately $800,000 annually, earmarked for general city purposes, including vital infrastructure maintenance and upgrades to the firehouse, streets, sidewalks and parks. Measure S emphasizes local control and transparency, featuring oversight from an independent citizens’ committee and mandatory annual audits.
As of the latest count, Measure S has received 632 “no” votes, comprising 54.16% of the vote.
Measure T follows a similar structure in King City, proposing a half-percent increase to match the sales tax rate of 9.25%. Expected to generate $1.2 million annually, this measure would support various public services, including public safety, street improvements, park maintenance, and emergency reserves. Measure T also promises local oversight, with citizen input and annual audits to ensure responsible fund management. This tax, however, includes a sunset clause and would expire after 12 years.
Currently, Measure T shows 630 “no” votes, accounting for 52.72% of the total.
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Monterey County Elections will release the next updated results on Friday.
