Full Notification

What is Measure K?

Measure K is a proposal for a local ¼ cent transactions and use tax for public safety purposes. A local transactions and use tax is a type of sales tax collected on consumer purchases. Measure K is anticipated to generate $4,000,000 annually, or approximately $26 per Kings County resident. The revenues would be shared by Kings County and the four incorporated cities in the county based upon population, and could be used only to fund police, Sheriff, and fire operations.

Why is Measure K being proposed?

In 2012, California voters approved a ¼ cent statewide sales tax as part of Proposition 30. There are no current proposals to extend the sales tax portion of Proposition 30, which is expected to expire on January 1, 2017. This makes it possible to impose a new, local public safety sales tax without increasing the sales tax rate above what consumers currently pay. Even though it now seems clear that the Proposition 30 sales tax will not be extended, Measure K includes language that guarantees that it will not take effect if the Proposition 30 sales tax is extended past January 1, 2017.

How will Measure K dollars be used?

Each municipality would use its share of the revenues for public safety purposes, as detailed in an expenditure plan agreed to among the municipalities. Because the proposed tax is a special tax, state law requires that tax revenues be spent only as provided in the plan. The Corcoran expenditure plan requires that the funding be allocated to build or rehabilitate police facilities, to purchase or replace equipment, to add staffing and for training. The city councils of each of the four cities would develop an annual plan as part of the budget process, allocating funds for similar public safety purposes.

What is a “special tax”?

California’s state constitution distinguishes between “special taxes” and “general taxes.” Revenue from a general tax is deposited in an agency’s general fund, and can be used for any purpose. Revenue from a special tax is deposited in a special fund, and can be used only for purposes approved by voters. Because special taxes are generally more popular with voters than general taxes, they require approval by 2/3 of the electorate.

Didn’t Kings County voters already vote on Measure K in June?

Yes. Measure K appeared on the June ballot, and barely missed the 2/3 super-majority requirement, with 66.29% of voters in favor. Because the vote was close, the county and four cities decided to make minor changes to Measure K and try again.

How is the version of Measure K that will appear on the November ballot different than what was voted on in June?

In addition to minor clarifying technical changes to the agreement between the county and cities that is incorporated as part of the measure, the November version of Measure K includes language making clear that none of the revenues received from the tax may be used to supplant existing revenues.  Although the June version did not allow for supplantation, that fact was not clear to voters, so the additional language was added.  Also, because of the timing of the November election, the tax will now go into effect in April 2017 if approved.  Previously it would have gone into effect on January 1.

Does Measure K include any accountability measures?

Yes.  California law requires that the County Auditor prepare an annual report stating the amount of the special tax funds collected and expended, and the status of any project required or authorized to be funded pursuant to the measure.  Also, the agreement between the county and cities that is incorporated as part of the measure requires the formation of a citizens’ oversight committee, with one public member appointed by each agency and one non-voting representative of each agency’s board of supervisors or city council.  Public members would be appointed to the committee for up to two two-year terms.  The committee would be responsible for reviewing the Auditor’s report and providing feedback and making recommendations to the board of supervisors and city councils on their use of funds.