COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Donna G. Schwartz, Chief Deputy City Clerk
DATE: June 16, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolutions Amending Election Resolutions Regarding Submission of a Question to Voters at the General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting Resolutions, amending election resolutions regarding submission of a question to voters relating to adding Chapter 3-8B Imposing a Transactions and Use Tax and setting priorities for filing written arguments.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution amending Resolution No 2026-85, calling and giving notice for the holding of a General Municipal Election and a Special Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the election of certain municipal officers and filling a vacancy, as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California and for the submission to the voters a question relating to adding Chapter 3 -8B imposing a transactions and use tax; and
2. Adopt a Resolution amending Resolution No. 2026 -89, setting priorities for filing written arguments regarding a city measure and directing the city attorney to prepare an impartial analysis.
BACKGROUND:
On June 2, 2026, City Council adopted Resolution No. 2026-85, calling and giving notice for the holding of a General Municipal Election and a Special Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Election of Certain Municipal Officers and Filling a Vacancy as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California, and for the Submission to the Voters a Question Relating to Adding Chapter 3 -8B Imposing a Transactions and Use Tax and Resolution 2026-89, setting priorities for filing written arguments regarding a city measure and directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis.
2 DISCUSSION:
Recent polling shows that a large majority of residents expressed high satisfaction with the City’s delivery services; however, residents are also concerned with quality of life issues facing Santa Maria. The City remains committed to delivering high-quality services to the community and to address issues important to Santa Maria residents. On May 5, 2026, the City Council provided direction to place a one -half cent general sales ta x measure on the November ballot, seeking approximately $13 million annual in locally - controlled funding to support the City’s efforts to sustain and enhance the full -range of city services, including but not limited to, parks and recreation, and the aquat ic center, library, youth programs, and improving the City’s roads and streets . The ballot measure language is amended to reflect sustaining and enhancing general services, whereas Measure U remains focused on public safety.
The City Council desires to submit to the voters a question relating to Adding Chapter 3- 8B Imposing a Transactions and Use Tax. The Ordinance Measure although introduced and set for adoption, is subject to voter approval at the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Election.
Fiscal Considerations
The proposed Ordinance, if approved by the voters, will result in additional local revenue in the amount of approximately $13 million dollars per year.
Impact on the Community
Passage of this proposed measure by the voters and enactment of the Ordinance would enable the City to sustain and enhance the full -range of city services, including but not limited to, parks and recreation, and the aquatic center, library, youth programs, and improving the City’s roads and streets.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution amending Resolution No. 2026 -85, Calling and Giving Notice of a General Municipal Election and a Special Municipal Election both on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, for the Election of Certain Municipal Officers and Filling a Vacancy, as Required by the Provisions of the Laws of the State of California and for the Submission to the Voters a Question Relating to Adding Chapter 3 - 8B Imposing a Transactions and Use Tax.
Exhibit A – Proposed Text of the Measure Ordinance
B. Resolution amending Resolution No. 2026 -89, Setting Priorities for Filing Written Arguments Regarding a City Measure and Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial Analysis.