City of Napa Explores Proposed Sales Tax Measure: What To Know

Press release from the City of Napa:

NAPA, CA — The City of Napa is exploring a proposed sales tax measure, aimed at increasing local funding to address gaps in public safety, essential services and critical infrastructure. City staff were first directed to investigate options of the possibility of a 1-cent sales tax measure following Napa City Council’s unanimous decision on January 16.

The measure is estimated to generate $22 million annually, significantly increasing funding for City needs and establishing a long-term revenue source to supplement the existing one-time funding sources that currently balance the City’s budget. Based on current projections, Napa will face a budget deficit without a sustainable source of funding — requiring strategic action from the City.

“It’s so important for our community to understand how the City’s budget works and the reality of our current fiscal future without an ongoing funding source like the proposed ‘Local Funding’ measure,” said City Manager Steve Potter. “It was a pleasure to connect directly with our residents to help them understand the issues we are facing and how we plan to address them. The significant level of participation and engagement at the forum was encouraging and illustrates our collective commitment to building a stronger Napa.”

As part of community outreach efforts for the local funding initiative for public safety, city services and critical infrastructure, the City of Napa hosted a successful open house forum on April 23, 2024. The event aimed to involve and educate the community on the City’s needs and the potential ballot measure. The forum, open to all community members, welcomed over 75 residents throughout the evening. City staff from various departments and levels of leadership engaged with attendees, sharing insights on Napa’s current budget challenges and the goals and benefits of the proposed measure.

Following discussions with community members and stakeholders, Napa City Council will decide at the June 4 City Council meeting if the measure will be placed on the November 5, 2024, ballot. If placed on the ballot and passed by voters, the measure could fund important services, such as improvements to streets, sidewalks, clean waterways and parks as well as youth and senior recreation programs, community center services and facilities, emergency operations and public safety.

“The open house attests to City staff’s extensive exploration of the sales tax measure through open stakeholder engagement,” said Mayor Scott Sedgely. “The success of the event is a reflection of our community’s interest in shaping the future of Napa and a testament to the City’s hard work and dedication to addressing the needs of our community.”

To learn more about the sales tax measure and Napa’s budget challenges, find FAQs regarding the proposed ‘Funding for Public Safety, City Services and Critical Infrastructure’ measure and stay informed on future updates, visit: www.CityOfNapa.org/LocalFunding.

This press release was produced by the City of Napa. The views expressed here are the author’s own.