Santa Maria Voters to Decide on Sales Tax Hike

Residents will cast ballots on November 3 to determine if a half-cent sales tax increase will fund city services.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in City Hall

Santa Maria Voters to Decide on Sales Tax Hike

Live Poll

Do you support increasing local sales taxes to fund public facility repairs and city services?

Santa Maria voters will head to the polls on November 3 to decide the fate of Measure C, a proposed half-cent local sales tax increase. The measure aims to generate approximately $13 million annually to address an $18 million projected budget deficit for fiscal years 2026-28.

Why it matters

The tax is intended to provide funding for repairs to recreational facilities and help stabilize the city's financial outlook. City officials proposed the move following public pushback against potential closures of community venues like the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center.

Measure C proposes a 0.5% sales tax increase, which equates to 50 cents per $100 spent on taxable purchases. Groceries, prescription medications, and feminine hygiene products are exempt from the tax.

The players

Santa Maria City Council

This local governing body is responsible for municipal policy, budgetary decisions, and legislative actions for the residents of Santa Maria.

The details

The Santa Maria City Council voted 5-0 in late June to place the measure on the ballot after receiving over 100 letters from residents opposing the closure of the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center. If passed, the city plans to manage revenue through an annual spending plan, public reporting, and independent audits.

May 2026: City conducted a survey of residents regarding Measure C.
Late June 2026: City Council voted 5-0 to add the measure to the ballot.
October 13, 2026: City Manager discussed the measure at the State of the City conference.
November 3, 2026: Registered voters will cast ballots on Measure C.
Fiscal years 2026-28: Period covered by the projected budget deficit.

Political Context

Opponents of the tax increase often cite the burden on local households and demand greater fiscal austerity to close budget gaps. Dissenting voices typically argue that the city should prioritize operational efficiency and cost-cutting measures before seeking new revenue from residents.

If approved, shoppers in Santa Maria will pay an additional 50 cents for every $100 spent on non-exempt taxable goods. This change will directly impact monthly household budgets while simultaneously funding infrastructure repairs and preventing service cuts.

The takeaway

Measure C serves as a crucial test of how Santa Maria residents value public facility maintenance versus individual tax contributions. Voters should review the specific repair plans for sites like the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center to determine if the 0.5% increase aligns with their priorities.