Sonoma County voters to consider Measure O sales tax to fund mental health services

Sonoma County voters are being asked to support a local sales tax measure on the Nov. 3 ballot that would bring in a quarter of a billion dollars over 10 years for mental health and substance abuse services for residents, including those who are homeless. The measure faces opposition from groups opposed to any new taxes during the pandemic-induced recession.

If approved, Measure O would institute a quarter-cent sales tax projected to raise $25 million a year, or just under a quarter of the county’s current annual spending on behavioral health. Voters could renew the tax in 2031. Some of the tax revenue would also go toward permanent housing for people who are homeless and suffer from mental health challenges.