Revenue Measure (Measure H)

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Background

Since becoming a city in 1891, Hanford has flourished into a community of over 59,000 people. While maintaining its small-town charm and rich history, Hanford has grown into the commercial and cultural center of Kings County. To maintain the City’s standing as a great place to live and raise a family, we must continue investing in essential city services, the maintenance of streets and parks, and investment in public safety. 

In 2023, Hanford City Council agreed that a possible revenue measure should be explored, beginning with an advisory body comprised of 15 community members. Starting in February of 2024, the Revenue Measure Committee (RMC) studied both the needs and functions of departments and programs funded through the City's General Fund. This includes Police, Fire, Streets, Parks and Community Services and Code Enforcement. 

On April 17, the RMC unanimously adopted a draft 10-year Expenditure Plan, which outlines their recommendations for how the potential revenues should be spent. The plan shows more then 90% of funding going to Police, Fire and Streets. On April 24, the majority of the committee voted to recommend to City Council that there is a need for a revenue measure in order to meet the community’s growing needs.

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Road Repairs

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More Police Officers

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More Firefighters

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More Kids Recreation Programs

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A New Public Safety Building

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More Resources for Graffiti Removal

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A New Fire Engine

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Addressing Homelessness

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A New Fire Station

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Additional Maintenance for Youth Facilities

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Maintenance for Historic Buildings

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More Park Maintenance Employees

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Funding Priorities

  • More police patrol officers/vehicles
  • More firefighters/additional fire engine
  • A new Public Safety Building
  • A new Fire Station
  • Road repairs
  • Additional maintenance/improvements to existing parks
  • More Parks employees
  • More Code Enforcement officers

Key Considerations

  • Hanford one of approximately 30 cities in CA without a district (sales) tax (out of 483 cities)
  • Current General Fund revenues do not meet budget demands
  • Hanford has has approximately $60 million in deferred capital projects over next five years
  • A general sales tax measure requires 2/3 approval by the City Council to place a measure on the ballot
  • A general sales tax measure requires support by the majority (50% + 1) of voters
  • A 1% sales tax would generate $19 million in annual revenue for the City of Hanford
  • Revenue from a sales tax measure will stay local and funding cannot be taken by the State
  • If approved by voters, revenue may only be spent on priorities outlined by the Expenditure Plan

Fiscal Accountability

If a revenue measure is approved by voters, it will be overseen by a Citizens' Oversight Committee and a third party auditor must review and audit all expenditures annually. This includes ensuring all expenditures are made in accordance with the Expenditure Plan. Projects completed with funding from an approved measure would be eligible for state or federal matching funds, should they be available.

Community Engagement and Education

Over the next few months, the City will be hosting a series of workshops and meetings to answer questions about the revenue measure to ensure residents have all information needed to make an informed decision. Residents can check this page for details on these future opportunities. 

Register to Vote in Kings County (online)

On the Secretary of State's website, you will be asked to enter your personal information and provide your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The Secretary of State's website is also for voters who want to update their registration information with a new address, new name, party change or other information. Re-registering using the website will not create a duplicate record.

Note: Please make sure all fields are entered accurately. Allow 48 hours or more for applications to process.

Register to Vote in Kings County (via mail)

You may register by mailing a completed Voter Registration Form to the County of Kings Elections Department.

Forms are available in person at public libraries, city and county offices, California Department of Motor Vehicles offices and at U.S. Post Offices. You may also call our office at (559) 852-4401 and we will mail a form to you within one business day.

Voter Registration Forms are available for pick up in person at the County of Kings Elections Department.

Important Note: Your Voter Registration Form must be submitted online by midnight no later than 15 days before that election. If you are mailing a Voter Registration Form, it must be postmarked no later than 15 days before that election.

Potential Sales Tax Measure Related Documents

  1. Revenue Measure Fact Sheet (PDF)
  2. Measure H FAQs (PDF)
  3. Measure H Infographic Year One Spending Plan (PDF)
  4. City Council Approved Expenditure Plan (PDF)
  5. Staff Report-Final Approval of Revenue Measure Expenditure Plan (PDF)
  6. Revenue Measure Committee Presentation to City Council 5.7.2024 (PDF)
  7. Revenue Measure Committee Presentation to City Council Staff Report 5.7.2024 (PDF)

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