Two positions on the Escalon City Council will be up for election in November, and city voters will also be asked to consider Measure P. The measure is one percent local sales tax increase that, if approved by voters, is expected to generate approximately $900,000 annually, providing funding for local city services.
Like many other California municipalities, the City of Escalon is facing significant financial pressures due to the state tax structure, and recent increased costs for supplies and contracted services.
“While City revenues are maintaining, inflation is outpacing revenue gains, threatening the City’s ability to provide services,” noted Escalon interim City Manager Jaylen French. “In response to the financial strain, the City has implemented a series of fiscally responsible measures since the 2008 recession and the pandemic. These efforts have helped preserve critical services and build a reserve of $3.23 million for emergencies.”
Despite those efforts, however, French said city officials still had to cut over half a million dollars to balance the latest budget. The cuts, including freezing workforce positions and deferring equipment and vehicle replacement, French added, could impact the community and service delivery, including 911 response times due to reduced police staffing and maintenance of public spaces.
“Deferred repairs and maintenance, while necessary in the short term, raise concerns about escalating costs in the future,” French explained. “The City is also facing a growing list of unfunded projects, which include critical infrastructure improvements and community programs.”
With the dedicated Measure P, funds raised by the sales tax increase would stay in Escalon; none of the money would go to county or state coffers.
As the City’s budget has been pared down, further cuts threaten the ability to continue providing services to the community.
“Measure P, which would provide locally controlled revenue, has been brought forward as a potential solution,” French said. “This would allow the community to decide how best to allocate these funds to safeguard Escalon’s future financial stability.”
More information on Measure P is available by visiting www.cityofescalon.org/Measure P
Meanwhile, appointed incumbent councilman David Bellinger, currently serving as Mayor, and elected incumbent councilman Shawn Strohman are each seeking re-election. Challengers for the four-year terms on the council are Gabriella Vargas and Jeff Kay.
The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 21.
