If your drive through Fairfield feels smoother, that’s because 3,085 potholes were filled last year thanks to Measure P, a local sales tax initiative approved by voters in 2012.
On July 7, Fairfield City Council may put Measure P to the vote once more, placing a 1% sales tax hike on the Nov. 3 ballot for voters to approve. The change would bring Measure P tax revenue from 1% to 2%.
Sales tax currently stands at 8.375%, the same as nearby Dixon, and applies to retail items and gas. Groceries or prescription medication are exempt.
In his presentation during the June 16 City Council meeting, Fairfield Assistant City Manager Farbod Pirouzmand said updating Measure P is an alternative to “draconian” funding cuts to city services — thanks to a $12 million deficit currently facing the city — which recently increased due to $930,000 spent on “equipment purchases,” among others.
In 2025, more than half of Measure P funds were spent on the Fairfield Police Department, around $12.5 million. Fairfield Fire came in second at $6 million. A report cited by Pirouzman shows public safety and homeless response are top priorities for residents who were surveyed. Last year, there were 16,869 calls to the Fairfield Fire Department — a 68.7% increase since 2012.
The city has taken some steps to cut costs, which keep going up — mostly insurance rates. This year, there were no raises for city employees, and around 24 positions were frozen.
Revenue from Measure P amounted to around $27.4 million last year, and funds services like roads, police, recreation, fire and emergency response. In 2025, hundreds of swim lessons were held for youth alongside a number of adult recreation activities, courtesy of that small 1% tax.