Measure T was placed on the November 5, 2024, ballot by a unanimous vote of the Sonoma City Council to support existing and expanded City service levels and ensure financial stability and sustainability.
Measure T was placed on the ballot to address Sonoma’s significant budget deficit and ensure the continuation and enhancement of essential city services. In the FY2024/25 budget adopted on June 19, 2024, the City faced a $2.8 million shortfall, requiring the use of unrestricted fund balance to pass a balanced budget. Key contributors to the deficit include increased costs in police and fire contracts, a significant rise in CalPERS Unfunded Accrued Liability payments due to poor investment returns, and projected declines in major revenue sources like Sales Tax and Transient Occupancy Tax. Without new revenue sources, the City would be unable to expand services, such as creating a Parks and Recreation Department, or maintain current service levels.