Measure S

City of San Bernardino Transactions and Use Tax

CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO—Would authorize an increase of the retail transactions and use (sales) tax from the current one-quarter percent (¼%) to one percent (1%) within the City of San Bernardino. Measure S requires a simple majority (50% + 1) to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Would generate approximately $40 million in annual local funding for general city services, such as public safety; street, park, and library maintenance; and youth, senior, and homeless services programs.

See Endorsements for Measure S

Pro:

Proponents of Measure S argue that the measure renews a critical source of local funding, prevents further cuts to essential city services, improves 911 response, and protects local businesses and jobs in San Bernardino. They also argue that the measure requires strict fiscal accountability, including public disclosure of all spending and independent citizen oversight, while continuing to exempt groceries and prescription medicine from the sales tax.

A YES vote on this measure means: The sales tax in the City of San Bernardino will increase to one percent (1%).

Con:

No argument in opposition to Measure S has been submitted.

A NO vote on this measure means: The sales tax in the City of San Bernardino will remain at one-quarter percent (¼%).

In Depth:

Currently, the City has a one-quarter percent (¼%) retail transactions and use (sales) tax, that generates approximately $9 million annually. The current tax expires on March 31, 2022. If Measure S is approved by a majority of San Bernardino voters, this measure would authorize an increase of the retail transactions and use (sales) tax from one-quarter percent (¼%) to one percent (1%) within the City of San Bernardino. A 1% rate equates to $1 per $100 purchased.

Measure S is estimated to generate approximately $40,000,000 in annual local funding for general City services. These services include public safety; street, park, and library maintenance; and, youth, senior, and homeless services programs. This tax would be a “general tax,” meaning that revenues raised from the tax would go into the City’s general fund to pay for any lawful City program, improvement, or service. All revenues raised by the tax would remain in the City and not be shared with the State, County, or any other agency.

Source: City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure S

Official Resources

San Bernardino County Elections Office

Official San Bernardino County Voter Guide for November 3, 2020

City of San Bernardino Presentation on Measure S

Nonpartisan Analysis

San Bernardino, California, Measure S, Sales Tax (November 2020). Ballotpedia.