It appears voters in the city and county of Fresno have just said no to taxes.
Three tax measures appear to be going down to defeat, as of Fresno County election numbers updated at 10:42 p.m. Tuesday. All precincts have reported, but mail-in ballots can still be received for up to seven days.
Measure E, the countywide two-tenths of a cent sales tax to benefit Fresno State, was losing, 53% to 47%. The $1.6 million campaign for Measure E was bankrolled almost entirely by local builder Richard Spencer. Because it was placed on the ballot by petition, it requires only a simple majority to pass.
Measure C, the countywide sales tax extension for transportation projects, leads 58%-42%, but it needs two-thirds to pass.
Opponents gathered at Vibez Lounge in the Tower District. Leaders of the Leadership Counsel, and Fresno Building Health Communities, were among those celebrating the measure’s apparent defeat.
Measure C supporters placed the item on the ballot years ahead of time. The current Measure C does not expire until 2027. While neither side indicated its next move to GV Wire, it is possible that both groups will attempt to pass its own version in 2024.
Measure M, which was put on the ballot by the Fresno City Council to support veterans services and facilities, had 59% approval, but it needs two-thirds, and is headed to defeat. This was a city-only sales tax, that would have added one-eighth (0.175%) of a percent.
