Rocklin City Council to vote on adding a sales-tax increase to November ballot
The Rocklin City Council has introduced an ordinance that would place a measure on the November 2026 ballot asking voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase.
City officials estimate the 0.5% general transactions and use tax would generate about $8 million annually based on current taxable sales projections. The measure would help fund core city services and maintain quality-of-life programs, according to city officials.
If approved, the tax would be administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and could take effect as early as April 1, 2027.
Revenue generated by the measure would go into the city’s general fund and could be used for any lawful municipal purpose.
Because it is a general tax, the measure does not include a specific spending plan.
However, Assistant City Manager Andrew Keys said the city has identified spending priorities through months of community outreach and public engagement.
The city conducted a resident survey in September. Officials also held 30 conversations with community leaders, 18 discussions with community groups and four town hall meetings in March.
“We are taking a proactive approach to address forecasted long-term budget pressures before they affect the services residents count on,” Keys said. “If ultimately approved by voters, this locally controlled half-cent transactions and use (sales) tax would help maintain core City services residents have identified as priorities, including public safety, emergency and medical response, and keeping parks and public areas safe and clean.”
According to city officials, those services include public safety, financial stability, rapid 911 emergency and medical response, police and fire protection, maintaining parks and public spaces, preserving open space and reducing wildfire risks.
Keys said the proposed measure is intended to help the city prepare for future financial challenges.
“From the City’s perspective, this proposal is about planning ahead. Our financial forecasts show future structural deficits if no action is taken,” he said.
Keys said the goal is to protect the quality of life Rocklin residents expect.
The measure will come back for a second reading on the regular agenda on June 9’s city council meeting.
“Typically the City does second reads on the consent calendar but in this case it will be part of the regular agenda,” Keys said. “This will require a super majority (4/5 vote). The second item consists of two resolutions that call the ballot measure election and consolidate the election with the statewide general election as well as setting the criteria for filing arguments for and against the measure.”
If both items are approved on June 9, the measure will be on the ballot for voters in November.
