The Yuba City City Council moved unanimously on September 15 to approve a revenue-sharing agreement with Sutter County. This agreement is explicitly contingent upon the passage of Measure G, a proposed countywide transaction-and-use tax, during the upcoming November 3 election. Should voters approve Measure G, Yuba City is slated to receive a substantial portion of the generated funds.
Under the terms of the agreement, as outlined by City Manager Robert Pandorf, Yuba City would secure 77.5% of the total countywide tax proceeds. Preliminary estimates presented by the city indicate that the proposed Measure G could generate approximately $22.5 million across Sutter County. From this total, Yuba City is projected to receive about $12.5 million if the measure is successful at the ballot box. Sutter County's share of the estimated revenue would be approximately $9.2 million, with the City of Live Oak slated to receive about $750,000, according to information provided in the city’s presentation.
City Manager Pandorf articulated that the anticipated additional revenue, if Measure G passes, would provide Yuba City with critical financial flexibility. This flexibility could enable the city to restore various positions and services that have been reduced or eliminated over time. Specifically, Pandorf identified police, fire, and roads as key areas where services could be revitalized. Furthermore, the funds could support other priorities previously identified within the city’s strategic plan. Mayor and council members echoed these sentiments during the meeting, also citing police, fire, and roads as essential services that could benefit significantly from the new funding.
A notable provision within the approved agreement concerns the future management of Walton Park. If Measure G is enacted, the agreement stipulates that Yuba City would assume responsibility for Walton Park by July 1, 2028. This long-term planning element was also detailed by City Manager Pandorf as part of the broader revenue-sharing and operational agreement.
The Yuba City City Council formally approved the revenue-sharing agreement following a roll call vote, with all participating members casting their votes in favor of the proposal. The entire projected revenue, as well as the implementation of the Walton Park provision, remains entirely contingent on the will of the voters in the November 3 election. The public record of the meeting, specifically the council meeting video, documented this action. However, the full executed agreement, a comprehensive fiscal analysis, and current campaign positions related to Measure G were not included in the meeting record reviewed for this report.
The fate of this revenue-sharing agreement, and the potential for new funding streams for essential city services and park management, now rests with Sutter County voters. They will cast their ballots on Measure G during the general election scheduled for November 3.
