Measure A sales tax
Where it standsThe council placed a one-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot; voters decide whether to adopt it.
What's on the tableHow to spend the roughly $16 million a year if voters approve it, and what to do about the budget if they do not.
Police staffing
Where it standsThe city says it has 82 police officers and has identified a need for at least 12 more sworn positions.
What's on the tableWhether and how to fund added officers within the city budget.
- Tulare has 82 police officers serving about 73,000 residents, compared with 95 to 105 officers in similarly sized California cities, according to the city. City of Tulare ↗
- City staff estimates 12 additional sworn positions would cost about $2.2 million a year. City of Tulare ↗
How new tax revenue is used
Where it standsMeasure A is a general tax, so its revenue would go to the General Fund; the council adopted a non-binding statement of intended uses.
What's on the tableHow the council allocates new General Fund revenue across public safety, roads, homelessness, parks and other uses.
- Because it is a general tax measure, revenue would be deposited in the General Fund and may be used for general government purposes. City of Tulare · Jun 16, 2026 ↗
- The council adopted a resolution of intention on June 2 naming public safety, roads, homelessness, parks and economic development among intended uses. City of Tulare · Jun 2, 2026 ↗
Shopping outside Tulare
Where it standsThe city estimates residents spend large amounts at stores outside city limits, which holds down sales tax revenue.
What's on the tableWhether and how the city pursues retail and business attraction.
- A study cited by the city estimates $356.6 million in annual sales tax leakage. City of Tulare ↗
- The ballot language lists retaining and attracting local businesses among the services the measure would fund. City of Tulare ↗
Projected budget deficit
Where it standsCity projections show a structural deficit within five years, with sales tax revenue falling.
What's on the tableHow to balance the budget through new revenue, spending cuts or both.