El Centro Sales Tax Measure Officially Designated as Measure T for November Ballot

EL CENTRO, Calif. — The Imperial County Registrar of Voters has officially designated El Centro’s local sales tax measure as Measure T, which will appear on the ballot during the Nov. 3, 2026, General Municipal Election.

The measure, formally known as the El Centro Public Safety/City Services Measure, was placed on the ballot following a unanimous vote by the El Centro City Council on June 16.

If approved by voters, Measure T would increase the city’s local sales tax by one-half cent, raising the total sales tax rate from 8.25% to 8.75%. According to the City of El Centro, the increase is expected to generate approximately $8.4 million annually for the city’s General Fund.

City officials say the measure comes as the cost of providing municipal services continues to rise while sales tax revenue, the city’s primary ongoing funding source, is projected to level off and decline. Officials also noted that although the city maintains emergency reserve funds, those reserves are intended for major emergencies, natural disasters and severe economic downturns, not for day-to-day operating expenses.

The city also cited the demands of serving an estimated daytime population of approximately 75,000 residents, employees and visitors, which places additional strain on infrastructure and public safety resources.

“If Measure T passes, it could provide funding for general city services and operations,” Mayor Mike Crankshaw said in a statement. “We encourage everyone to learn more about Measure T, ask questions and participate in the election on November 3.

As a general tax measure, revenue generated by Measure T would be deposited into the city’s General Fund and could be used for any lawful municipal purpose. According to the city, those services include maintaining 911 emergency response, supporting police, firefighters and paramedics, repairing streets and potholes, maintaining parks and public spaces, improving pedestrian and driver safety, addressing homelessness, supporting local businesses, and maintaining youth recreation, senior and library programs.

The proposed tax would not apply to groceries, prescription medications or rent. Instead, it would primarily affect retail purchases, restaurant dining and vehicle sales within El Centro. City officials said a $20 restaurant bill would increase by approximately 10 cents if the measure is approved. Visitors shopping or dining in El Centro would also pay the tax.

The city said Measure T includes fiscal accountability requirements, including annual independent financial audits and public spending reports. Officials also stated that all revenue generated by the measure would remain in El Centro and could not be redirected by the state or county.

“Our responsibility as staff is to provide clear, factual information on how local tax dollars are structured and how city services are delivered,” City Manager Robert Sawyer said in a statement. “We are committed to answering our residents’ questions and will be hosting both virtual and in-person community meetings in the coming months.”

Additional information about Measure T and upcoming community meetings is available on the City of El Centro’s website.