Tax measures proposed in three Solano County cities received mixed results after last week’s election, according to the latest returns from the Solano County Registrar of Voters.
Fairfield’s sales tax increase, Measure P, was narrowly leading with 51.5% of voters approving, according to the latest numbers released as of Tuesday, with 18,581 out of 36,080 voting for the measure that needed a simple majority to approve it.
Measure O, an extension of Rio Vista’s 0.75% sales tax, appears to have passed by a larger margin, with 3,555 of 5,545 voters approving the measure, or around 64.1%.
A new tax proposed in Vacaville appeared less popular for voters, with only about 47.6% approving Measure V, a one-cent sales tax, short of the majority threshold. Measure V would have raised Vacaville’s current sales tax to 9.125% from 8.125% — the lowest in the county.
Fairfield: Measure P
Measure P proposed a one-cent-per-dollar increase in Fairfield, bringing the local sales tax to 9.375% — so, a $50 purchase at a hardwood store would come out to roughly $54.69, about 50 cents higher than before. Currently, visitors and residents pay an 8.375% sales tax on goods bought and sold in the city, excluding groceries and prescription medications.
Fairfield voters previously approved a one-cent sales tax in 2012 and in 2016 voted to extend the tax through 2033. If Measure P passes, the new sales tax would appear on receipts starting in 2027 and last until voters approve a ballot measure to end it.
Rio Vista: Measure O
Rio Vista visitors and residents pay one of the higher sales tax rates in the county at 9.125%. Measure O did not propose to increase the existing tax, but to extend a 0.75% tax through 2030.
The tax was approved by voters in 2020 and is set to expire in 2027 — which city leaders say is a problem, citing a 7% drop in revenue for the general fund since 2024.
Funds from Measure O are earmarked for general city services, but a vast majority support the fire and police departments, which have become increasingly expensive, according to the city.
If Measure O passes, it could generate between $1,398,000 and $1,467,000 annually, potentially staving off a $1.4 million deficit.
Vacaville: Measure V
Vacaville boasts the lowest sales tax rate in the county at 8.125%. According to the city, Vacaville only keeps 1.75% of the revenue from the existing sales tax, while the county and state take the rest.
Measure V is a one-cent sales tax that would have brought an estimated $28 million annually to the city’s general fund and stay local. The measure included a citizens’ oversight committee and public auditing.
Vacaville voters approved a 0.75% tax, Measure M, in 2012, and, like Fairfield, approved an extension in 2016.