San Diego County voters face health tax and charter changes Nov. 3
Countywide measures detail specific spending on healthcare and sewage while altering board powers and term limits.
By Nadia Singh ·
San Diego County voters will decide on a half-cent sales tax increase and a county charter revision on the November 3 ballot. These two measures, labeled A and B, appear on every local ballot and outline specific changes to government structure and funding allocations.
Measure B, titled the Protect San Diego County’s Health and Safety Act, proposes raising the sales tax by half a cent. The revenue is designated for specific areas with set percentages. Up to 60 percent of the funds will support healthcare, nutritional assistance, and services for children and families. This includes 22 percent for childcare and child development services administered by the First 5 Commission. Another 17.5 percent is allocated for public safety, wildfire prevention, and crisis response. This portion must include at least 8 percent for fire preparedness and another 8 percent for law enforcement funding. Up to 22.5 percent is reserved for mitigating the Tijuana River Valley sewage crisis, with no less than 20 percent directed toward infrastructure projects to stop sewage flow.
The measure establishes a Citizen Oversight Committee to monitor spending. This committee will consist of 11 voting members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. Each member will serve a four-year term. The ballot language requires that stakeholders be appointed, including a professional in environmental sciences and an expert in childcare. The full text of the measure begins on page 69 of the county guide.
Measure A, known as A Transparent, Accountable, Modern County Government, updates the county charter. A key provision expands the term limit for County Supervisors from two terms to three. The measure also grants the Board of Supervisors more control over specific staff members. It creates a process for the board to review and confirm the appointment or removal of the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and the Deputy Chief Administrative Officers. The board will also confirm the Office of Emergency Services Director and the Public Health Officer. The Chief Administrative Officer may be removed by a four-fifths vote of the board.
The charter update allows for the formation of an independent ethics commission. This body can investigate complaints against board members and subpoena witnesses. Each Supervisor appoints one commissioner to a four-year term, while the County Counsel appoints two. The Board of Supervisors confirms these commissioners by majority vote. The measure also creates an independent budget analyst and program auditor, roles that the board can combine into one position.
Statewide propositions also appear on the ballot, including Prop 40, 41, and 42. These bills involve a tax on billionaires and two measures that would cancel that tax. Other propositions address affordable housing bonds and immunology research funding. Voters will also choose between San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert and San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond in a special election to decide a House of Representatives seat. This race could determine the majority in the chamber.
Governor Gavin Newsom is leaving office, and voters will select his successor from candidates including Steve Hilton and Xavier Becerra. In-person polling places remain open during the day until closing time on Election Day. All locations listed in county guides will be available for voters who have not yet submitted a ballot.
