Updated May 29, 2024
The City of Manteca is considering placing a funding Measure on the November 2024 ballot, asking Manteca
voters to authorize increasing the City’s sales tax to address pressing challenges presently facing City officials.
This FAQ is intended to be a “living” document; as such, it will be updated regularly as input is received from
Manteca voters.
Q: What type of funding measure is the City proposing?
A: The City of Manteca is considering a 1% sales tax measure for the November 2024 ballot, weighing the results
of an upcoming survey which will determine if a sales tax increase of one cent on the dollar is supported by
Manteca voters.
Q: Why is the City proposing to increase our local sales tax?
A: The 1% sales tax increase aims to address critical needs within the City and is estimated to generate between
$16 – $20 million annually. This increase is intended to be permanent and would play a vital role in funding critical
needs and priorities for the community and tackling ongoing challenges for delivering services, particularly those
impacted by rising inflation and higher interest rates.
Q: How did we get here?
A: In 2020, the City placed a general sales tax measure on the ballot that did not pass. Over the past several
years, public presentations have been shared regarding the City’s ongoing financial constraints and challenges.
The past shortfalls in property and sales tax have been millions in losses over the years. Over time, our assets
have aged, which have compounded the difficulties we have today. The City is at a pivotal point where we can no
longer defer fees or continue to place band-aids on potholes.
Q: What is Manteca’s current sales tax rate?
A: The current sales tax rate in Manteca is 8.25%. Of that amount, 1.5% goes to the City of Manteca. If the
proposed 1% sales tax measure is passed, Manteca’s sales tax rate would be 9.25%.
Q: Why a sales tax and not some other funding mechanism?
A: The City is pursuing a sales tax measure because of the following reasons:
Q: How much will this sales tax cost consumers when making taxable purchases in the City of Manteca?
A: The 1% increase in local sales tax will cost consumers who shop in Manteca one cent for every dollar spent.
Q: How much revenue will this sales tax measure produce?
A: A 1% sales tax increase will produce roughly $16 – $20 million annually for the City of Manteca.
Q: If the sales tax measure is approved by voters in November 2024, how soon will it go into effect?
A: Spring of 2025
Q: What will the sales tax measure be used for?
A: The Measure under consideration is aimed to:
In addition, the City needs to keep public spaces safe and clean, improve traffic flows and reduce congestion,
maintain youth and senior programs in the City, further address homelessness in Manteca, and maintain and/or
enhance other quality-of-life amenities and services.
Q: What has the City done to reduce operating costs?
A: The City has done more with less. It has cut back on all General Fund services to maintain a balanced budget
and ensure uninterrupted services to the community. The City operates below industry trends from staffing to
operational needs; nonetheless, it has postponed critical maintenance and infrastructure needs. City facilities and
equipment are out of date and falling apart.
Q: Why does the City Have a shortage of revenue with the influx of housing?
A: While property taxes are a significant revenue source for Manteca, they are not sufficient to cover all essential
city services. Here’s why:
To ensure that Manteca can continue to provide essential city services, such as public safety, infrastructure
maintenance, and community programs, we need additional revenue. Increasing the sales tax rate is a practical
solution to bridge the funding gap and maintain the quality of life for our residents.
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Q: Will the 1% sales tax increase end once the City’s fiscal challenges are resolved?
A: No, this will be proposed as a permanent measure.
Q: Assuming the measure passes, will there be citizen oversight?
A: YES:
• A five-member Citizen Oversight Committee will be appointed to monitor expenditures.
• An outside audit will be conducted annually, and a report will be produced and made public.
Q: What is the threshold of voter support needed to pass this measure?
A: A majority of voter approval (50% + 1) is needed.
Q: What happens if the measure does not pass?
A: If a majority of voters do not pass the measure, the City will need to consider making significant cuts to
community programs and services. This could mean more potholes on our roads, fewer police officers and
firefighters, potential closures of parks, and impacts to staffing and services.
Q: Why can’t the City use its reserves to fund its programs and services?
A: The City’s reserves are quickly being constrained, or even depleted, and exist for one-time uses based on the
City’s Reserve Policy. City reserves are used when faced with unforeseen emergencies, like earthquakes or other
natural disasters.
Q: How can I get more information?
A: As we continue to address the fiscal challenges facing the City of Manteca, we will work hard to keep you
informed. Please visit the City’s website, sign up for our e-newsletter, or email us at feedback@manteca.gov.
Q: When is the 2024 election?
A: The general election will take place on November 5, 2024. For information on voter registration and polling
locations, visit: Registrar of Voters (sjgov.org).