Contra Costa County tax measure goes to the voters

"We cannot wait. We don't know what else may come down from our federal or state government," Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston said, emphasizing the urgency of the tax measure to protect the county's health system from potential additional federal or state funding cuts."

"It's irresponsible to move forward with this today. It's just basic, good government, crossing our T's and dotting our I's, before we put forward a tax measure," Supervisor Candace Andersen stated, expressing concern about campaign messaging that misrepresented annual versus cumulative budget deficits."

"The cumulative reductions are actually closer to about $500 million, with a deficit of about $1 billion by 2031, said Brian Buchanan, interim chief financial officer, clarifying the actual scope of projected health system funding challenges over the coming years."

Contra Costa County supervisors voted 4-1 to place a five-year 0.625% general retail sales and use tax measure on the June 2 primary ballot. The measure would generate approximately $150 million in annual revenue for the county's general fund. County leadership plans to allocate funds toward health care service costs, lost federal revenue, and anticipated state budget deficits. Supervisor Candace Andersen cast the sole dissenting vote, citing concerns that campaign messaging incorrectly stated the health system faced an annual $307 million funding reduction when the figure actually represented cumulative reductions through 2029. The actual cumulative reductions total approximately $500 million with a projected $1 billion deficit by 2031. Andersen advocated for postponing the measure to allow for additional outreach and research.

Read at The Mercury News