City staff outlines Measure G revenue, advises possible renewal and advisory question

Arcata City staff presented an overview of Measure G on May 6, saying the 3/4-cent transactions and use tax approved by city voters on Nov. 4, 2008, has raised roughly $39 million since 2009 and is scheduled to lapse on March 31, 2029 unless renewed. Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Tabitha Miller told the council "we have collected about 39 million to date" and that roughly $21.5 million (about 55 percent) has gone to streets while about $17.5 million (about 45 percent) has been used for public safety.

Miller said estimated fiscal year 2026 Measure G revenue is about $2.87 million and noted the ballot language describes general government purposes but emphasizes street maintenance and police staffing. She said the original measure included a citizens' oversight committee and that the tax was expected to fund roughly one-third of police costs and two-thirds of street work; staff reported the current split is closer to 45/55 and that Measure G supports roughly 8 percent of the police department’s $9.2 million budget.

Miller outlined options the council directed staff to explore at a prior budget work session, including bringing a renewal measure to voters and adding an advisory question that would indicate a preference for dedicating a share of local revenue to streets to avoid replacing state SB1 road funds. She explained that SB1-funded maintenance requires jurisdictions not to replace existing local funding with state funds, and an advisory question could make Arcata more competitive for additional state funding.

The presentation noted the measure’s sunset date of March 31, 2029, the mechanics for placing a measure on the November 2026 ballot (council approval by a two‑thirds vote to place the tax measure on the ballot and a simple majority vote by the public to approve), and that council can replace the tax only at permitted election dates tied to council elections. Miller emphasized that staff expects to bring draft language and options back to the council for further direction.

No binding decision to place a renewal on the ballot was made at the meeting; councilmembers asked follow-up questions about reporting and transparency for deed-and-grant acceptances and about prioritizing transportation projects if the measure is renewed. The staff presentation also noted that Measure G proceeds have been leveraged to attract about $35 million in outside funding for local projects.

What happens next: staff will return with draft ballot language, additional polling or outreach results, and recommended timing based on council direction.