In the November General Election, City of Gonzales voters will be asked to approve a one half-percent (0.5%) sales tax increase, which will increase the city’s local sales tax rate to 9.25%. It is important to know that Gonzales’ current 8.75% sales tax rate is one of the lowest in Monterey County. Nine Monterey County cities have a sales tax rate of 9.25%, including Salinas and Soledad. Greenfield’s sales tax rate is 9.50%. When a purchase is made in any of the surrounding communities, Gonzales residents are already paying a higher tax rate.
If passed, the sales tax would generate an additional half-cent for every dollar spent. For a $50 dinner at a restaurant, it would add 25 cents more to the cost of the dinner. For a $100 purchase, it would add 50 cents more to the purchase. It is estimated that the new tax would generate approximately $800,000 a year — 100% of that money will stay local and will be used to benefit City of Gonzales residents and businesses.
The current Gonzales City Council and staff have worked hard to balance the budget for the last few years, although it is extremely tight. Despite prudent spending, without significant additional revenue coming in, maintenance of infrastructure has been deferred, worsening the conditions of roads, sidewalks, city parks and city facilities.
If Measure S is approved, the revenue generated from the sales tax increase can help fund significant improvements needed to city streets and other vital needs, such as city fire services. Funds could also be used to ensure that current programs and services remain active and provide citizens with more enrichment opportunities.
If Measure S is not approved, the city will have to continue to defer maintenance and infrastructure needs and will have a difficult time ensuring the sustainability of current programs and services.
Gonzales voters previously approved two tax measures, Measure K and Measure X. Funds generated from these tax measures have been managed by the Measure K and Measure X Tax Advisory Committees.
Programs and services supported by Measure K include funding the renovation of the community pool, youth services and leadership development, the Community Action Grants Program, senior and adult programs, and extended after school and summer camp programs.
The Measure X Advisory Committee recommended that a majority of the tax proceeds be applied toward the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center Complex.
Since the passage of both Measure K and Measure X, the City of Gonzales has met all the requirements and expectations set forth by voters. The Advisory Committees continue to be engaged in representing the community’s preferred allocation for use of the funds.
If Measure S is approved, there will also be strict accountability, transparency and oversight by an Advisory Committee, to ensure the revenue generated from the local sales tax increase goes directly to essential services and programs that matter to Gonzales residents.
A “Yes” vote is a vote to approve the new one half-percent (0.5%) sales tax, with expenditure oversight by a committee of Gonzales residents.
A “No” vote is a vote against the new one-half percent (0.5%) sales tax.
