Santa Maria Candidates Debate Measure C Tax Proposal
Candidates discussed a half-cent sales tax increase during an election forum held at Allan Hancock College.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in City Hall
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Do you support increasing local sales taxes to fund city services and programs?
Santa Maria City Council candidates debated the merits of Measure C at an October 1 forum. The measure proposes raising the local sales tax to 9.25% to help address a $25.1 million structural deficit.
Why it matters
City officials warn that if the measure fails to pass in the upcoming election, the city will face employee layoffs starting in January. The revenue is intended to support essential services including parks, the library, and infrastructure maintenance.
Measure C seeks to increase the current 8.75% sales tax to 9.25%, excluding items like groceries and prescriptions. This initiative aims to close a budget gap that leaves Santa Maria with $563 in revenue per resident, compared to $1,271 in Santa Barbara.
The players
League of Women Voters
This nonpartisan organization works to expand civic participation and held the recent candidate forum.
Allan Hancock College
Located in Santa Maria, this community college served as the venue for the local election discussion.
The details
The proposal includes the creation of an independent citizens oversight committee to monitor funds generated by the tax. During the forum, candidates also shared conflicting positions regarding the city's approach to federal immigration enforcement operations.
Timeline
June 19: The City Council voted to place the tax measure on the ballot.
October 1: The League of Women Voters hosted the candidate forum at Allan Hancock College.
November 3: Residents will cast their votes in the city council election.
January: Potential employee layoffs are expected if the measure does not pass.
Political Context
The opposition to Measure C centers on concerns regarding the tax burden and ideological disagreements over city policy priorities. Critics and some candidates argue that fiscal structural issues should be addressed through spending reforms rather than increased taxation.
If passed, the tax increase would impact household spending by raising the sales tax to 9.25%, though common necessities like groceries and medicine remain exempt. Residents may also see changes in public service levels in early 2026 depending on the outcome of the January staffing decisions.
The takeaway
Voters face a choice between increasing the local tax rate or bracing for potential municipal staff reductions. Careful review of the ballot initiative details is recommended to understand exactly which city programs are slated for funding if the measure is approved.
What happens next
The election to decide the future of Measure C and the city council seats is scheduled for November 3.
Further reading
Learn more about local legislative developments in the City Hall section.
Live Poll
Do you support increasing local sales taxes to fund city services and programs?
