Oceanside · Tax measure · Nov 3, 2026
Measure S: Temporary half-cent sales tax
Measure S is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot in Oceanside. This page summarizes the official documents; every statement links to its source, and we take no position on how you should vote.
The question on your ballot
“To provide locally-controlled funding for Oceanside services and infrastructure, such as keeping streets, sidewalks, parks, and public facilities safe, clean, and well-maintained; fixing potholes; improving traffic; restoring/protecting local beaches; modernizing public safety/emergency facilities to improve 911 emergency response/community safety; and repairing aging infrastructure, shall City of Oceanside's ordinance establishing a 1/2 cent sales tax be adopted, providing $20,000,000 annually for general government use for 10 years, with independent audits and citizen oversight?”A YES vote means
A "yes" vote on Measure S favors increasing the sales tax by one-half of one percent for ten years.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure S · Aug 14, 2026
A NO vote means
A "no" vote on Measure S opposes an increase in the sales tax by one-half of one percent for ten years.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure S · Aug 14, 2026
What it takes to pass
Because the revenues raised by Measure S can be used for any general governmental purpose, a majority of voters must approve Measure S for the tax to go into effect.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure S · Aug 14, 2026
The money
The current sales tax rate in Oceanside is 8.25%. If Measure S is approved, the sales tax rate would increase to 8.75%.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure S · Aug 14, 2026
The City estimates that Measure S, if adopted, will generate approximately $20 million annually.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure S · Aug 14, 2026
If approved, the tax would commence on or after April 1, 2027 and would remain in place for ten years.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure S · Aug 14, 2026
Measure S requires a Citizens' Oversight Committee to review the annual independent audit of the revenues and expenditures of funds generated by Measure S.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure S · Aug 14, 2026
How it got on the ballot
Measure S was placed on the ballot by the Oceanside City Council.
City Attorney's Impartial Analysis of Measure S · Aug 14, 2026
The official arguments
These are the arguments filed with the county for the official voter guide. They are written by their authors, not by the city or by us. We summarize what each says, not whether it is accurate.
Argument against
Says residents recently approved another sales tax, questions the City's spending plan and alternatives, says Measure S is a general tax that is not for specific projects, and says it would raise Oceanside's taxes above neighboring cities.
Signed by Steven Burrell, Senior Advocate; Rocky Chavez, Former State Assembly Member; Jeordie Fellner, Retired Oceanside School Teacher, Community Advocate; Michele L. Cyr, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Karie Lasko, Former Small Business Owner, Alternate Manufactured Home Fair Practices Commissioner
Read the official documents
Neighbor opinions
Where do you stand on Temporary half-cent sales tax?
Opinions from people who signed in. Not a poll, not a vote, and not our endorsement. We don't check where anyone lives. Your name is never shown.
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