In November 2007, Delano residents voted to pass Measure I, which increased the sales tax rate by 1%. The measure later expired but was reintroduced as Measure U in 2016. Proceeds from the sales tax help fund general services such as police, fire, streets, parks and recreation, and other services under the general fund.
Delano’s current sales tax rate is 8.25%, made up of three components: the California statewide tax of 7.25%, the Kern County tax of 1% (0.75% Kern County Local Tax and 0.25% county tax), and the City of Delano’s special tax of 1%.
The City of Delano plans to move forward with a ballot measure for the special election on November 4. Voters will decide whether to extend Measure B at the current fixed rate instead of allowing it to expire in 2028. If it expires, the city risks losing general services, facing utility spikes, and experiencing job layoffs.
Rosa Laura Rios, Delano’s finance director, explained to Kern Sol News that the sales tax measure acts as an add-on tax. “That is 1% that is coming straight to the City of Delano,” Rios said. “So [when] anybody passes by and pumps gas, they pay that 1% extra in sales tax. You buy anything in the stores, that 1% is an extra added onto your taxable purchases.”
The City allocates this sales tax revenue to the general fund, which directly impacts Delano’s residents, businesses, and services. For example, the City Council approved a 15% discount on utility bills for senior residents, funded by the measure.
The sales tax measure has generated more than $13.5 million for Delano’s general fund, supporting new improvements and services throughout the city. However, some community members worry that if the measure fails, the city will see drastic cuts and negative effects on services. Others express concern that without community input, there is no guarantee that funds will prioritize clean water, sustainable infrastructure, safe and well-maintained public spaces, fair wages, job opportunities, and youth mental health and healing spaces.
The sales tax measure also allowed the City to open its new Aquatic Center and historical park, providing residents with public spaces that encourage community engagement.
“We’re just starting our campaign, and a lot of the information will go out to residents,” said Mayor Liz Morris when asked about community outreach efforts. “With the help of others in our community who are interested in passing this measure, we’re going to pass out flyers to every household and make sure everyone understands how the funds can be used or how they’ve been used in the past. If they see the growth that’s going on, I’ll also go to other organizations to do outreach and talk with them about the measure. We’re visiting with a lot of people in the community to get the word out.”
Although some confusion has arisen about Measure B, City Manager Maribel Reyna clarified that it is not a new tax. Voters first approved it in 2017, and the city has collected it since then.
