Measure L-24 proposes sales tax extension for roads, services
Measure will be on the ballot for Nov. 5 General Election
– On June 25, the Atascadero City Council approved a resolution to place Measure L-24 on the ballot for the Nov. 5 General Election. The measure, titled Atascadero Local Roads and Vital Services Funding Extension Measure, seeks to extend Measure F-14, a sales tax adopted in 2014. The measure will ask voters to extend the existing half-cent per dollar (0.5%) general sales tax that is set to sunset in 2027.
“The adoption of this measure will not increase the current sales tax but simply extend the current Measure F-14 rate,” said Mayor Heather Moreno. “Funds from the measure have significantly improved the quality of neighborhood roads in Atascadero and assisted with other vital services. Extending F-14 by adopting L-24 would enable the city to continue delivering key services for the community.”
A general sales tax is a tax approved by local voters and applied to the sale of goods and services to raise funds for the jurisdiction. Exemptions include groceries and medicines. Revenue from general sales taxes can be used for various general services, such as public safety and city programs. Since 2015, Measure F-14 funds have primarily been used to maintain and repair neighborhood roads.
Originally approved by voters in 2014, Measure F-14 generates approximately $3 million annually in general fund revenues, accounting for 9% of the city’s 2024-25 annual budget. A nine-member Citizens’ Sales Tax Oversight Committee meets annually to review the use of sales tax funds.
“This is a case of promises made; promises kept. The city has made investments in our community with a focus on our streets, and many roads have seen improvement. But we have more work to do,” said Grigger Jones, chair of the oversight committee.
Measure F-14 became effective on April 1, 2015, and will sunset on March 31, 2027, unless renewed by voters with Measure L-24. If adopted, the Atascadero Local Roads and Vital Services Funding Extension Measure will become effective on April 1, 2027, continuing the funding already available to the city.
Since its implementation, Measure F-14 has funded approximately 120 roadway segments, equating to nearly $23.2 million in neighborhood road repairs. These projects have repaired, resurfaced, or rehabilitated over 55 miles of neighborhood roads, or 38% of all city-maintained streets. Upgrades include the removal and replacement of asphalt on full roadway sections, improved drainage, and enhanced roadside slope stability.
Aided by the funds received from Measure F-14, the city’s overall pavement condition index (PCI) has increased by 9 points, from 47 to 56, a significant increase from the expected 17-point decrease if Measure F-14 had not passed in 2014. If adopted, the Atascadero Local Roads and Vital Services Funding Extension Measure would provide funding to continue improving the city’s streets and address 26 roadway segment projects slated for attention if funds remain available. The measure could also fund other vital city services.
Visit the city’s website to learn more about Measure F-14’s impact on city infrastructure, review the Oversight Committee reports, and examine current projects funded by F-14. Additional information on Measure L-24 can also be found on the city’s website. For questions regarding the measure, contact the Atascadero City Clerk’s Office at (805) 470-3400 or [email protected].
