Tax measure, council seats on city ballot
Two positions on the Escalon City Council will be up for election in November, and city voters will also be asked to consider Measure P. The measure is one percent local sales tax increase that, if approved by voters, is expected to generate approximately $900,000 annually, providing funding for local city services.
Like many other California municipalities, the City of Escalon is facing significant financial pressures due to the state tax structure, and recent increased costs for supplies and contracted services.
“While City revenues are maintaining, inflation is outpacing revenue gains, threatening the City’s ability to provide services,” noted Escalon interim City Manager Jaylen French. “In response to the financial strain, the City has implemented a series of fiscally responsible measures since the 2008 recession and the pandemic. These efforts have helped preserve critical services and build a reserve of $3.23 million for emergencies.”
Despite those efforts, however, French said city officials still had to cut over half a million dollars to balance the latest budget. The cuts, including freezing workforce positions and deferring equipment and vehicle replacement, French added, could impact the community and service delivery, including 911 response times due to reduced police staffing and maintenance of public spaces.
https://www.escalontimes.com/news/tax-measure-council-seats-on-city-ballot/