Are Clovis voters saying yes or no to Measure Y’s 1% sales tax?
Voters in Clovis have overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure to impose a new 1% sales taxes within the city to support police, fire and other city services.
In returns after midnight Wednesday, Measure Y had received “yes” votes from 66.2% of ballots received and processed prior to Election Day, compared to 33.8% who voted no. The measure requires at least 50% approval for passage by the time all of the votes are received and counted.
The returns reflect results from all 25 of the city’s voting precincts.
The existing sales tax rate in Clovis is 7.975%, or just under 8 cents for each dollar in taxable sales. That rate would rise to 8.975% or just under 9 cents per dollar spent on taxable goods and services in the city if Measure Y passes and takes effect on April 1.
There is no sunset date for the tax, which would remain in place until voters in the city opt to repeal it.
Ballot arguments filed by supporters include former Clovis Mayor Jose Flores and the city’s police officers and firefighters associations.
Measure Y provides for a general tax in which the additional 1% charged for sales of taxable goods and services within the city – an estimated $28 million annually – would go into Clovis’ general for any city purpose.
That means not only police and fire protection, but also business and job retention, street maintenance and repair, parks and youth programs, addressing homelessness, and any other city services or uses.
In their argument against Measure Y, representatives of Fresno County’s Libertarian Party said that rather than imposing a tax, residents consider whether they would be willing to support such city services through voluntary contributions. They added that even a 1% sales tax increase could impact a household’s cost of living.
This story was originally published November 5, 2024 at 8:55 PM.
