Politics
Salinas Releases Ballot Guide: Two Measures Could Reshape Infrastructure Spending
The guide explains how two local measures could change road repair budgets and utility billing for Salinas households.
How we reported this
Salinas residents will decide on two ballot measures in the November election that would authorize local bonds for street repairs and create a referendum process for future water rate adjustments.
City documents indicate the measures come as Monterey County faces reduced state transportation allocations in the 2026 fiscal year, prompting local governments to seek voter approval for dedicated revenue streams rather than relying on general fund transfers.
Measure A would issue up to 45 million dollars in bonds for pavement resurfacing on 28 miles of city streets, including sections of Alisal Street and East Blanco Road, while Measure B would require future utility rate hikes above three percent to receive direct voter approval before implementation.
Projected Effects on Daily Costs and Services
Property owners in the 93905 and 93906 zip codes could see annual assessments of roughly 48 dollars per 100,000 dollars of assessed value under Measure A, according to the city's preliminary fiscal analysis, potentially adding 120 dollars yearly to a median-valued home.
Input From Local Analysts and Advocates
Policy analysts at the Monterey County Association of Governments note that similar bond measures in neighboring jurisdictions have completed 12 miles of resurfacing within three years when voter-approved. Local advocates note that the referendum provision in Measure B could extend the timeline for capital projects if rate approvals face delays at the ballot box.
The city clerk has scheduled three public information sessions at the Salinas Community Center for July 15, July 22 and July 29, after which the measures will appear on the November 3 ballot with official summaries prepared by the county elections office.