BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Polls have closed in the race to determine whether or not the city of McFarland will enact a 1% raise in its general sales tax. Now awaits the final count.
As of 10 p.m. Nov. 4, “yes” is leading 58.97% to 41.03%.
The McFarland Essential City Services and Public Safety Measure — also known as Measure C — would increase McFarland’s sales tax from 8.25% to 9.25%, if passed by voters.
The new tax rate would apply to all purchases made in McFarland.
The extra money from the increased tax would fund city projects such as road resurfacing, emergency response, downtown revitalization, public services and more.
McFarland’s fiscal year 2025-2026 budget showed the total projected general fund by June 30, 2026 is $4,229,403. Of that amount, $2,749,886 is for capital improvement projects.
That would not be enough to fund city projects like infrastructure improvements and revitalizations, according to city officials.
The measure is estimated to generate about $1 million each year and will continue until voters vote to end it, according to the city.
McFarland’s population was 14,365 as of 2024. Around a third of the population are active registered voters.
Measure C requires a simple majority vote to pass.
If the measure passes, McFarland would become one of two Kern County cities, along with Ridgecrest, with a sales tax higher than 8.25%. Other cities like Bakersfield, Wasco and Delano still have a sales tax of 8.25%.
The measure was listed on the ballot in McFarland alongside Proposition 50.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.