El Centro hosts virtual forum to detail proposed Measure T sales tax increase

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - The City of El Centro hosted a virtual community town hall to provide transparency and answer resident questions regarding Measure T, a proposed half-cent sales tax increase headed to the November 3, 2026, general election ballot. 

If approved by voters, the measure would increase El Centro's total transactions and use tax rate from 8.25% to 8.75%, generating an estimated $8.4 million annually in locally controlled revenue for the city’s General Fund. 

City officials explained that the cost of providing daily municipal services continues to climb due to inflation.

"The cost of providing basic municipal services continues to increase," said Mario Renteria, Public Information Officer for the City of El Centro. "Simultaneously, the city's primary ongoing funding source, sales tax, is projected to level out and dip slightly. While the city holds emergency reserve funds, those savings are not intended to pay for daily operational costs."

El Centro currently holds $38.7 million in reserve funds, but leadership reiterated that these savings are strictly set aside for emergencies, natural disasters, or major economic downturns—not daily staffing or maintenance.

By law, 100% of the funds generated by Measure T must stay in El Centro. The state and county governments are legally prohibited from redirecting or taking any portion of the revenue.

If passed, the $8.4 million generated annually could fund general city services, including:

• Public Safety: Preserving rapid 911 emergency medical responses, preventing crime, and keeping fire stations fully staffed.
• Infrastructure: Repairing local streets, fixing potholes, and funding vital infrastructure maintenance.
• Community Spaces: Keeping public areas and neighborhood parks clean and safe.
• Local Economy: Retaining and attracting local businesses while addressing homelessness.

A major point of discussion during the meeting was the impact on consumer wallets. Officials emphasized that everyday necessities are entirely exempt from the proposed tax, meaning groceries, rent, and prescription medications will not be taxed.

Instead, the tax will apply primarily to retail goods, general consumer purchases, dining out, and auto sales.

The city's daily population swells to nearly 75,000 residents and shoppers, putting an ongoing demand on local streets and emergency response teams.

"Because El Centro is a commercial hub of the region, visitors and out-of-town shoppers who shop and dine here will contribute to maintaining the local services and roads they use," Renteria said.

This model is intended to capture revenue from non-residents who utilize city infrastructure, thereby taking some of the financial strain off local taxpayers.

To address voter questions regarding transparency and proper public spending, Measure T includes strict fiscal accountability mandates built directly into the ballot language.

If adopted, the city is legally required to undergo mandatory annual independent financial audits and issue public spending disclosures to ensure full transparency.

The city has launched an online Measure T Budget Calculator on its informational webpage. The tool allows residents to enter a single purchase amount or their estimated monthly taxable spending to see the exact difference between the current 8.25% rate and the proposed 8.75% rate. For example, on a restaurant bill of $20, Measure T would add exactly 10 cents.

For more information regarding the ballot language, a list of frequently asked questions, or to access the budget calculator, visit the official City of El Centro Measure T Page.