Fremont council considers half-cent sales tax for November ballot

The half-cent tax would increase the city's current sales tax rate from 10.25% in an effort to generate new revenue

admin July 22, 2026 2 minutes read

FREMONT — The Fremont City Council on Tuesday night will discuss placing a proposed half-cent sales tax on the November ballot.

The measure would increase the city’s sales tax rate up a half-cent per dollar from 10.25%. The council could also decide to defer the measure to a future election. The city estimates it could generate between $30 to $35 million annually in revenue if approved.

City officials say the tax measure is needed to supplement more than $6 million cut out of the city’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget.

Preliminary studies of the ballot proposal incurred the city about $325,000 in expenses to date, including $169,500 in consulting and public opinion surveying, and $155,500 in graphic design and marketing, according to the city. Should the council decide to put in on the November ballot, it could cost taxpayers up to about $1 million.

Officials in 2025 first studied placing the measure on this year’s ballot, with an August 2025 survey showing that about 60% of surveyed voters would potentially support the tax increase. However a more recent survey from this summer appeared to show less support from voters, or about 46% of respondents, according to the city.

If the council decides to place the measure on the ballot, it would require more than 50% of the vote to pass.

Similarly, Pleasanton officials proposed a half-cent sales tax measure in 2024 that failed with 54% of voters deciding against it. That year marked the first time the city had ever asked residents to increase the city’s sales tax base.