Adelanto puts 1¢ transactions-and-use tax on November ballot to fund services and infrastructure

The Adelanto City Council voted July 8 to place a proposed transactions‑and‑use (local sales) tax measure on the November ballot, after city staff and a consultant outlined outreach materials and a fiscal forecast.

Mayor Reyes moved the measure onto the ballot and Mayor Pro Tem Ramos seconded. Joy Coomer of Team Civics presented bilingual informational materials and sample mailers to educate voters about the proposal and noted the Aug. 7 deadline to submit a measure for the November election. Coomer told the council the materials include a one‑page fact sheet and a postcard‑style mailer in English and Spanish.

The mayor described the measure as a locally controlled revenue source intended for public safety, street and infrastructure improvements, and water and sewer upgrades. “This has the potential to generate $3,000,000 annually off of what we have right now,” Mayor Reyes said during council discussion.

Councilmembers stressed that, as city officials, they may share factual information about the measure but must be careful about official advocacy; Coomer and staff clarified that councilmembers acting in their official capacity may distribute information explaining the measure but that individual advocacy is a personal right. City staff said the proposed outreach budget for informational materials is under $75,000.

Public commenters raised concerns about fireworks and about the city's retail base—some residents urged the council to use tax proceeds to attract larger retailers and address neighborhood maintenance. Councilmembers replied that retail recruitment typically follows increased housing and that barriers to development along Highway 395 (including Caltrans access) are an ongoing constraint.

On a roll call, Councilwoman Evans voted no; the remaining councilmembers voted yes, carrying the motion to adopt Resolution No. 26‑37 ordering the measure and to introduce the implementing ordinance for placement on the Nov. 3 ballot. The resolution and ordinance were introduced as the first step; the final ballot question and implementing ordinance will return for completion of statutory steps.

What happens next: with the council’s action, staff will finalize ballot language and proceed with outreach and education. The measure must meet county and state filing deadlines to appear on the November ballot.