Measure X taxes financially strong

Wasco's Measure X sales taxes are expected to provide substantial funding for the Police Department, street lighting and an animal shelter in the coming year.

At a Sales Tax Oversight Committee meeting on Thursday, the panel reviewed the status Measure X activity and plans for the future

Finance Director Isarel Perez-Hernandez delivered a presentation showcasing the financial health of the funding, explaining 2023-24 activity. The report showed a beginning balance of $6.39 million, revenues of $3.35 million, and expenditures of $3.30 million, leaving a $6.44 million balance.

For fiscal year 2024-25, Perez-Hernandez said the city expects revenues of $3.13 million, expenditures of $6.21 million, for an ending balance of $3.36 million.

During the general election in November 2016, voters approved the measure, a local one-cent sales tax. Measure X was designed to enhance city services, with funds considered general-purpose revenues for essential government services, including public safety, street improvements, capital projects and efforts to increase the city's fiscal stability.

For fiscal year 2025, Measure X budget appropriations will include:

Public safety: $3.4 million. The budget will allocate $740,662 for fire services, $58,500 for flock safety cameras, $98,800 for a neighborhood camera rebate program, $98,400 to replace the old courthouse Emergency Operations Center, and $2,443,338 for the Police Department.

Street rehabilitation: $1.1 million. The budget includes $488,284 for citywide street lighting, $250,000 for an aerial lift truck, $210,043 for maintenance of effort (local match), $93,801 for sidewalk rehabilitation (ADA ramps) and $60,000 for a traffic calming measures study.

Park improvements: $1.6 million. About $550,000 will be allocated for park improvements and $996,911 for an animal shelter

As part of the presentation, a review of historical Measure X revenues was shared. At its inception in fiscal year 2017-18, revenues were $2,059,432. For fiscal year 2018-19, revenues increased to $2,800,377, followed by $2,506,767 in 2019-20, $2,900,705 in 2020-21, $3,333,089 in 2021-22 and $3,218,707 in 2022-23, with revenues of $3,105,000 for 2023-24. Projected revenues for 2024-25 are $3,125,000.

Perez-Hernandez also highlighted notable achievements from the 2023-2024 fiscal year, demonstrating Measure X tax dollars at work. These included the completion of the Palm Avenue shoulder project, and various street lighting projects at 1st and Birch, 3rd and Birch and 2nd and Poplar. The startup of the Police Department was another significant achievement, requiring substantial investment in facilities, technology, equipment, vehicles, radios and other safety gear.

"As chairperson of the Sales Tax Oversight Committee, I'm proud of the transparent, responsible approach we're taking to ensure Measure X funds go right back into our community," Flor Olvera said. "From street lighting projects to street and sidewalk rehabilitation, we're seeing real improvements that enhance the safety and quality of life for our residents. Although these numbers are preliminary, we are committed to making sure every dollar is wisely spent, demonstrating that fiscal responsibility is at the forefront of every decision."