Submission of Ballot Arguments for City of Gonzales Special Parcel Tax
Deadline for Submission of Ballot Arguments on City of Gonzales Special Parcel Tax to be Levied on Properties Within the City Based on Land Use to Fund Fire and Emergency Medical Services
On February 17, 2026 the City Council of the City of Gonzales adopted Resolution No. 2026-04 calling for a municipal election at which it shall submit a tax ballot measure to the qualified voters of the City which, if approved, would establish a special parcel tax to be levied on properties within the City based on land use to fund fire and emergency medical services provided to the City of Gonzales. The measure specifies that the new annual parcel tax would be $349.00/single-family unit, $262.00/multi-unit, and $148.00-$201.00 plus $.07 per square foot for non-residential parcels, all adjusted annually, providing approximately $665,000 per year. All tax revenues collected by application of the new parcel tax would be used exclusively for 911 emergency medical/fire response and subject to independent audit and City oversight. The election is to be consolidated with the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election. Because this is a special tax, in order to be passed the ballot measure must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the voters voting on the measure at the election. The entire text of Resolution No. 2026-04 and its accompanying ordinance is available at www.gonzalesca.gov. The new parcel tax would be collected until ended by the voters.
Written arguments in favor or opposed to the measure may be prepared by the City Council, any member or members of the City Council so authorized by Council action, or any individual voter who is eligible to vote on the measure, or any bona fide association of citizens, or any combination of voters and associations. All arguments must be submitted to the City Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on March 10, 2026. No argument shall exceed three hundred (300) words in length. A ballot argument may not be accepted unless accompanied by the printed name and signature or printed names and signatures of the author or authors submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument. No more than five signatures shall appear on any argument. If more than one argument is submitted for or against the measure, the City Clerk shall select the argument for printing and distribution in accordance with the provisions of Elections Code Section 9287. Pursuant to Section 9285 of the California Elections Code, when the City Clerk has selected the arguments for and against the measure, which will be printed and distributed to the voters, the City Clerk shall send copies of the argument in favor of the measure to the authors of the argument against, and copies of the argument against to the authors of the argument in favor. Rebuttal arguments may thereafter be prepared in a length not exceeding two hundred and fifty (250) words and shall be filed with the City Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 18, 2026. All rebuttal arguments must be accompanied by the Form of Statement to be Filed by Author(s) of Argument as provided for in Elections Code Section 9600. Rebuttal arguments shall be printed in the same manner as the direct arguments. Each rebuttal argument shall immediately follow the direct argument which it seeks to rebut. All written arguments or rebuttal arguments may be changed or withdrawn until and including the date fixed for the final submission to the City Clerk.
You may contact the City Clerk’s Office at 831-675-5000 or cityclerk@ci.gonzales.ca.us if you have questions regarding this matter.
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A local funding measure is being considered to help maintain reliable emergency response times, improve staffing levels and support emergency medical services.
The potential measure would impose a parcel tax similar to what Greenfield voters approved: levying $349 annually for single-family residential parcels; $262 per apartment unit; and additional rates for commercial, industrial and agricultural parcels, adjusted for inflation.
All funds raised by the City fire tax measure could only be used for Gonzales firefighter/EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) staffing and equipment, including:
- Help ensure round the clock staffing for rapid emergency 911 medical and fire response
- Maintain response times to medical emergencies, car accidents, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters
- Ensure our local fire department has up-to-date working equipment and resources to assist in emergency medical situations and fight wildfires
- Replace old or outdated medical equipment, breathing apparatuses, protective clothing and other equipment used by firefighters/EMTs
- Ensure the local fire engine has important medical incident response equipment and supplies
Fiscal Accountability and Local Control
- All funds would be spent locally to provide fire protection and emergency response services
- Independent audits and oversight would ensure funds are spent as noted
- No funds can be taken by the State or used for any other purpose
Learn More
As the City of Gonzales plans for the future of our community, we invite you to learn more—check out the links below
