St. Helena Measure S: November 3 Voters to Decide Half-Cent City Sales Tax

ST. HELENA, Napa County — October 26, 2026. The November 3 ballot in St. Helena includes Measure S, asking residents whether to approve a half-cent local transactions and use tax. The proposed rate increase is 0.5 percentage point, equivalent to 50 cents for each $100 in taxable purchases.

Proposed local revenue and services

City officials estimate approximately $2 million per year in additional funding. The ballot identifies fire and emergency response, road and sidewalk repair, managing brush that can worsen wildfire hazards, parks, infrastructure and other municipal services as potential spending areas. This would be a general tax deposited into the city’s general fund, rather than a guaranteed allocation of specified amounts to each listed purpose.

Duration and voter threshold

If adopted, Measure S would remain in effect until ended by voters. City Attorney analysis says a simple majority is required, and the ballot calls for independent audits and public reporting. The estimate is based on expected taxable activity and may vary with future economic conditions.

Local government finances

In placing the proposal on the ballot in July, city staff described pressures from equipment replacement, deferred maintenance and other operating costs despite previous balanced budgets. The election is also choosing a mayor and two city council members; those are separate ballot contests.

A yes vote would authorize the additional tax; a no vote would reject this proposal. California58 offers information, not an endorsement. Official documents: St. Helena City Attorney’s impartial analysis and Measure S information page.

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