San Carlos is considering a new sales tax

“We’re one of the only cities that doesn’t have a local sales tax and it’s time for us to catch up,” Mayor Sara McDowell said. “Our community wants a lot of things … and we do need to be prepared and think ahead.” 

Consultants TeamCivX and True North Research conducted a voter survey in September to gauge resident potential interest in approving a sales tax or bond measure. 

Results from surveying 699 respondents show that approximately 67% said they would vote in favor of a sales tax — a far higher amount than the percentage in favor of a bond measure. 

Consultant Dr. Timothy McLarney said while the results show favorability for a sales tax far above the threshold it needs to pass, which is a simple majority, councilmembers should understand the survey isn’t a guaranteed indication of how an election would go. 

“A poll like this is a snapshot in time, it is not a crystal ball,” consultant Dr. Timothy McLarney said. 

Although a bond measure would provide more money up front, the funds are more restrictive than tax funds and limited to capital improvements. Sales tax can be used for a variety of items throughout the city’s budget, including maintaining those capital improvement projects. 

The San Carlos City Council approved moving forward with working toward placing a sales tax on the ballot, which will include deciding whether the tax should be a half-cent sales tax or higher. 

Next steps will include raising awareness of the city’s infrastructure and funding needs. 

In the next nine years, the city is prepared to dip into its reserves, Rebecca Mendenhall, the city’s Administrative Services director, said. 

The deadline to qualify for the November 2026 ballot is Aug. 7, 2026.