Agenda Item Wording:
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Measure T District Tax Recertification - Recertify the Measure T Plan for fiscal year 2026/27.
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Agenda Date: 06/15/2026
Prepared by: Renee Nagel, Finance and Technology Director,559-713-4375, Renee.Nagel@visalia.gov, Amee Swearingen, Budget Analyst, 559-713-4170, Amee.Swearingen@visalia.gov
Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council recertify the Measure T expenditure plan for the new budget year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (FY 2026/27) as required per the plan to be done annually; and to continue with the existing plan until all staffing levels and projects have been met.
Summary:
In March of 2004, the voters of Visalia passed a Sales Tax Override measure to increase public safety in the community. The plan had several accountability components to assure that the City was accountable to the public, namely:
* An independent auditor will annually review and audit expenditures to ensure monies are spent as outlined in the plan.
* The Citizens Advisory Committee will annually review revenues and expenditures, providing a second independent verification.
* Annually in June, the City Manager will recertify the plan to City Council.
* Every eight years, a public hearing will be conducted to review the progress of the plan and the continuing need for the sales tax. After public comment, Council will consider the appropriateness of the sales tax. To maintain the sales tax measure in place, a supermajority vote (4/5ths) is required. The public hearing will be held the first meeting of January starting January 2013, January 2021, and continuing every 8 years thereafter.
Background Discussion:
In 2004, City of Visalia voters approved a measure to increase sales tax by 1/4 cent. This was known as Measure T and the sales tax revenues generated by the voter-approved measure are earmarked for public safety. The sales tax is shared 60% police and 40% fire. Thus, the City maintains two funds: Measure T - Fire and M...
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