Sutter County has proposed Measure G, a one-cent countywide sales tax that could help fund first responder positions. However, it is not a dedicated public-safety tax; the county could spend the general-fund revenue on several local priorities. Voters will decide the measure on November 3, 2026. The tax has not been approved and is not being collected.
Table of Contents
- What Measure G would change
- Is the money reserved for first responders?
- Why officials say more revenue is needed
- What oversight would apply
- What voters should weigh
What Measure G would change
Measure G would add one cent to each dollar of taxable sales throughout Sutter county. It would apply in Yuba City, Live Oak and unincorporated communities. The reported sales-tax rate would rise from 7.25% to 8.25%, according to the Onsite Observer's account of the county proposal.
That means a $100 taxable purchase would carry $1 more in sales tax. County estimates place the additional annual revenue at about $22.5 million. The tax would remain in effect until voters ended it, rather than expiring automatically after a set period.
Is the money reserved for first responders?
No. Measure G is a general tax, meaning its revenue would enter the county's general fund instead of a legally restricted account for specific services. The ballot wording identifies fire and emergency medical response, sheriff and police patrols, drinking water, roads, local businesses and other general purposes.
The official Sutter County elections page does not promise a particular amount for firefighters, paramedics, deputies or other positions. This distinction matters when evaluating the proposal. Measure G could provide money for public-safety staffing, but it would not require every dollar—or any fixed share—to be spent that way. The Board of Supervisors would retain appropriation authority.
Why officials say more revenue is needed
The public-safety argument rests on documented staffing and budget pressures. Sheriff Brandon Barnes said his department was down 23 positions, including 13 deputies, while facing a $4 million budget deficit. Rural Oswald-Tudor fire Station No.
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8 also experienced a staffing-related brownout, meaning it temporarily lacked enough firefighters to operate normally. Those conditions illustrate the service gaps supporters say additional revenue could address, according to FOX40 reporting published by AOL. Still, the staffing needs do not change the measure's legal structure. Voters are considering flexible general revenue, not guaranteed funding for 23 positions or a binding plan to prevent future station brownouts.
What oversight would apply
Measure G calls for audits, citizens' oversight, public review and spending disclosures. The reported ordinance would establish a five-member advisory committee to review revenue and expenditures.
That committee could examine spending and issue recommendations, but it would not control appropriations. Oversight would help residents track how the money was used after collection; it would not convert the tax into dedicated public-safety funding.
What voters should weigh
The Board of Supervisors voted 5–0 on July 28 to place the Sutter County Safety/Water Protection Measure on the ballot. County officials developed it jointly with Yuba City and Live Oak.
Before voting, residents can compare two separate questions: The reported approval threshold is a majority vote. Until voters decide on November 3, the sales-tax increase remains only a proposal.
- Whether current staffing, water, road and other service needs justify a one-percentage-point sales-tax increase.
- Whether audits and public reporting provide enough accountability when the ballot measure does not legally reserve revenue for those stated priorities.
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