According to early results in Tuesday’s election, a one-cent sales tax measure on the ballot in American Canyon had support from the city’s voters.
The Napa County Registrar of Voters reported that about 59% of the votes initially released after polls closed Tuesday night were in favor of Measure P, which would increase the city’s sales tax rate from 7.75% to 8.75%, in line with the city of Napa’s rate.
City officials say the increase, if approved, will add an estimated $3.7 million annually to remain in American Canyon’s general fund. The revenue is expected to help the city stave off a massive deficit projected over the next five years.
If passed, Measure P would apply to some sales — cigarettes, coffee, gas, clothes, furniture, cars and home improvement supplies — but would not apply to groceries, medications, baby formula, diapers or services like nail salons, barbershops and auto repair.
According to the city, Measure P would mean American Canyon gets $2 of every $100 purchase within city limits. The rest of the sales tax revenue goes to Napa County and California.
According to ballot arguments in favor of the measure, the revenue could fund 911 emergency response, wildfire mitigation, parks and youth and senior programs. The use of Measure P funds would be approved in public by City Council members.
Locally, voters have been split on Measure P. Sindy Biederman, who was running for American Canyon City Council in Tuesday’s election, has said publicly that she is against a sales tax increase.