How has Turlock spent Measure A sales tax? See accountability report breakdown here
In the first nine months since Turlock businesses began collecting the Measure A sales tax, the city spent about $914,000 of the revenue in 2021, reports show.
The spending represents 11% of the roughly $8 million Turlock received from the three-quarter-cent sales tax through Dec. 31, per city financial reports.
Expenditures include setting aside $478,000 for the general fund unassigned reserve, the Measure A accountability report prepared on Dec. 31 shows. Turlock posted the report for the Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee meeting scheduled for Jan. 10, which was canceled because of the COVID-19 city facilities closure.
The city also spent $250,000 on general plan implementation and growth, as well as about $110,000 on road maintenance, per the report. About $43,000 and $20,000 of Measure A funds went toward police and fire, respectively, to cover the costs of training and equipment maintenance.
Among the other expenses were about $8,000 to add a parks maintenance worker and a collective $5,000 for administrative support plus legal expenses. The latter was the only issue Turlock spent Measure A funds on during the 2020-2021 fiscal year, per a city financial report updated Sept. 10. The rest of the spending took place after June 30.
Businesses began collecting the sales tax in April after residents passed the measure with 56.7% of the vote. The tax is expected to generate about $11 million per year until voters repeal or amend it in another election.
Turlock plans additional spending
The city has budgeted spending about $7.37 million more of Measure A funds during this fiscal year. Turlock earmarked about $6.06 million of the remaining budget for roads, per the report. Projects include Linwood Avenue improvements, Golden State Boulevard rehabilitation and preliminary design for the roads program.
Planning and preliminary design for the roads program accounts for $930,000, which the City Council voted 3-2 to pay consultants. Michael Baker International and Public Facilities Investment Corp. are developing a five-year plan to fix roads, evaluate street conditions and research finance options.
Other planned spending includes $388,000 for Fire Department positions and equipment, and $100,000 for the fire feasibility study. The consultant Citygate is conducting a six-month-long Fire Department study aiming to provide a comprehensive review of the agency and recommendations for its future.
Per the Measure A ordinance, purposes of the sales tax are maintaining and restoring police and fire services, repairing roads, responding to homelessness, supporting local businesses and ensuring Turlock’s long-term financial stability. The council determines how to spend the tax revenue.
The Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee plans to approve the Dec. 31 sales tax accountability report in a future meeting, said committee secretary Lisa Schimmelfennig. Committee meeting agendas are posted on the city website.
