Image Credit: Scotwriter21, CC BY 4.0
(North County Beat) – Oceanside residents will find Measure X returning to the ballot this year. This proposal seeks to prolong the city’s half-cent sales tax for another decade, aiming to fund public safety, infrastructure enhancements, and various community needs.
Originally endorsed by voters in 2018 for a seven-year term, the tax became effective in April 2019, pushing Oceanside’s sales tax rate to 8.25%. Since its implementation, the tax has consistently generated between $13 million and $18 million annually. These funds have been instrumental in numerous initiatives identified as essential by Oceanside’s residents, including road repairs, infrastructure updates, bolstering public safety, addressing homelessness, and expanding youth programs.
Assistant City Manager Michael Gossman highlighted some of the notable accomplishments facilitated by Measure X. These include the repair of over 560 lane miles of streets, construction of Fire Station 1 in downtown Oceanside, improvements to beachfront areas, creation of an EMT program, and expansion of the police department’s community service officer program. The measure has also contributed significantly to reducing crime and supporting homeless outreach efforts.
With the current measure set to expire in April 2026, the City Council has unanimously supported its extension until 2036, positioning the initiative for inclusion on the upcoming November ballot. A study by True North Research indicates strong voter support, forecasting approval rates between 67% and 73%.
Jared Boigon from TeamCivX, presenting the findings, noted that despite the current tax rate of 8.25%, Oceanside remains below the state average of 8.68% for similar municipal taxes. This observation was echoed by numerous community members, including firefighters and first responders, who emphasized the positive impact of Measure X on city services and their operational capacities.
Colleen O’Harra, chair of the Citizens Oversight Committee overseeing Measure X spending, expressed community sentiment favoring the measure’s extension, citing its broad benefits across various city sectors. However, some residents have urged for clearer delineation of future funding allocations and increased opportunities for community input.
Gossman clarified that Measure X operates as a general tax, affording flexibility in expenditure allocation while adhering to outlined spending priorities. He underscored the city’s commitment to revising spending plans in response to evolving community needs, should the measure receive extension approval.
Councilmember Rick Robinson, formerly Oceanside’s fire chief, emphasized the measure’s role in revitalizing essential services and enhancing the quality of life for residents and first responders alike. He highlighted improvements in fire and lifeguard facilities, equipment upgrades, and enhanced staffing as direct outcomes of Measure X funding.
Mayor Esther Sanchez echoed sentiments that without Measure X, essential services would face challenges, potentially affecting response times and service delivery. She emphasized the measure’s critical role in advancing plans for a new police department headquarters and ongoing city development projects.
Councilmember Peter Weiss emphasized the measure’s pivotal role in funding new parks and infrastructure, particularly as development impact fees diminish.
If passed, Measure X is anticipated to generate approximately $19 million annually, totaling $190 million over the proposed extension period. A favorable vote in November would secure the measure’s continuity, ensuring continued investment in Oceanside’s growth and sustainability initiatives.
