City of Santa Maria Measure C Community Town Hall Meeting - October 5, 2026

The City of Santa Maria held a Measure C community town hall on October 5, 2026, to explain a proposed half-cent sales tax measure for the November ballot. City staff estimated it could generate approximately $13 million annually, locally controlled, for city services and improvements, including streets, parks and community facilities, the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, the library, and recreation programs. Staff described ongoing budget pressures, including a structural deficit, dwindling reserves, and a possible $12 million gap if the measure fails; no vote or procurement award took place at the town hall.

Public Works described plans to expand street paving and maintenance, with a goal of paving 4% of city roads annually; the city paved 1% this year and plans to reach 2% next year. Recreation and parks staff discussed deferred maintenance and potential repairs and upgrades, including at the aquatic center, while library staff said funding could help restore hours and sustain programs. If approved, Measure C funds would be subject to a citizens’ oversight committee and independent audits. The discussion identified prospective funding for maintenance and capital improvements, but no specific contracts, vendors, or purchasing actions.