Kingsburg begins Measure E renewal discussion; council divided on 'sunset' language

City Manager Alex Henderson presented background and four ballot‑language options for renewing Measure E, the city's 1% public safety sales tax adopted in 2018, and reminded council the tax is scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, 2028 without action.

Henderson summarized revenue performance since adoption and the role Measure E funds have played: "The measure went into effect on 10/01/2018 for a period of 10 years," he said, and staff noted the tax has exceeded initial forecasts and funded officers, equipment and training.

He outlined four sample ballot questions, each limited to the 75‑word constraint for ballot measures: two options included a fixed term (for example, 30 years) and two used "until repealed by voters" wording in place of a sunset. Staff said the city will prepare the ordinance and impartial analysis once council directs language and that community outreach would continue.

Council members offered differing views. Several said a long fixed term (20–30 years) gives personnel stability and planning certainty, while others said the "until repealed by voters" phrasing better reflects voter control and may be more acceptable to the electorate. Members also raised campaign‑strategy concerns: a no‑sunset phrasing could be framed negatively and risk voter opposition in a conservative electorate, one council member said.

Staff said it can conduct limited public outreach on the wording and present feedback to council before the city must finalize the language. No final action was taken; staff plans to return with a recommendation after additional outreach and legal drafting.