HomeMy WebLinkAboutG. 10 - Transactions Use TaxTRANSACTIONS & USE TAX
MEASURE
March 10, 2026
Adrian R. Guerra, City Attorney
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City Council Goals
›Goal #1
–“Ensure Our Fiscal Viability” by identifying additional revenue
sources
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Background
›Transactions and Use Tax Measure Placed on the Ballot
at the November 2024 General Municipal Election
›Voters did not approve the measure
›The question before the City Council is whether there is
a desire to place the same measure on the ballot for the
November 2026 General Municipal Election
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City’s Tax Rates
›Current city-wide tax: 7.75%
›State law sales tax cap: 10.25%
›Remaining available: 2.50%
›Maximum allowed to be captured: 2.00%
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Taxing Jurisdiction Rate_
California state sales tax 6.00%
San Bernardino County sales tax 0.25%
Grand Terrace sales tax 1.00%
Special tax (San Bernardino County) 0.50%
Combined Sales Tax: 7.75%
Transactions and Use Tax
›Type of sales tax
›Governed by Transactions and Use Tax Law
›Distinct from sales and use taxes (Bradley-Burns)
›1.00% Transactions and Use tax recommended by the Ad
Hoc Citizens Committee in 2024
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Transactions and Use Tax Sales and Use Tax
Allocated to jurisdiction where
goods are delivered or placed into
use.
Allocated to the jurisdiction where
the sale is made.
Transactions and Use Tax for General Purpose
(General Tax)
›A city may levy, increase, or extend a transactions and
use tax for general purposes at a rate of 0.125% or a
multiple thereof if:
–The ordinance proposing that tax is approved by a two-thirds
vote of all members of that governing body; and
–The tax is approved by a majority vote of qualified voters of the
City.
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General Tax in General Election
›Measure must be consolidated with general municipal
election where City Council seats are up for election
›Next General Municipal Election: November 3, 2026
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Transactions and Use Tax for Specific Purpose
(Special Tax)
›City may levy, increase, or extend a transactions and use tax for specific purpose
›Tax may be levied, increased, or extended at a rate of 0.125% or a multiple thereof if:
–The ordinance proposing the tax is approved by two-thirds vote of all
members of City Council;
–Approved by two-thirds vote of qualified voters of the City voting in
an election on the issue;
–Tax conforms to the Transactions and Use Tax Law; and
–The ordinance includes an expenditure plan describing specific
projects for which revenues from the tax may be expended.
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Three Resolutions
The following items regarding transactions and use tax must be completed by City Council:
›Adoption of three resolutions:
1.Ordering submission to qualified electors of the City of a certain
measure relating to a transactions and use tax at the general
election to be held on November 3, 2026.
2.Setting priorities for filing written argument(s) and directing the
City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis regarding the
transactions and use tax measure.
3.Providing for the filing of rebuttal arguments for a transactions and
use tax measure submitted at the general election on November 3,
2026.
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Readings of the Ordinance
›If all three resolutions are adopted, then the City Council
will need to conduct a first reading, by title only, of an
ordinance relating to transactions and use tax measure
›Recommend actions to be taken by second meeting in
June 2026 if the City Council desires to proceed
›Second reading and adoption of the ordinance to occur
after the election if the measure is approved by the
voters
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Draft Resolutions and Ordinance
›Proposed as a ballot measure at the November 3, 2026
General Municipal Election
›Transactions and Use Tax at a rate of 1.00%
›General tax for general government use
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GRAND TERRACE GENERAL SERVICES MEASURE. Shall the measure, funding general
City of Grand Terrace services such as additional law enforcement services and for
general government use by establishing a 1.00% sales tax providing approximately
$1 million annually until ended by voters be adopted?
Yes
No
Fiscal Impact
›Costs anticipated include:
–City Attorneys’ fees to prepare necessary resolutions and
ordinance; and
–Costs for public outreach and education on measure.
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Recommendation
›Adopt the proposed resolutions and conduct first
reading of ordinance; or
›Provide other direction to staff.
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