Hercules Measure P Explained: A One-Cent Sales Tax That Would Push the Rate to 10.25%

Hercules voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to add a one-cent general sales tax that the city says would raise about $4 million a year for police, 911 response, streets, parks and water-quality work. Measure P would lift the city's combined sales tax rate from 9.25% to 10.25%, and it needs only a simple majority to pass. For every other November contest, see our Nov. 3, 2026 Bay Area election guide.

What Measure P does

According to the impartial analysis by City Attorney Christine Crowl, published by the Contra Costa County Elections Division, the measure adds a new transactions and use tax of up to 1% on top of the taxes already charged by the state, the county, BART and the city's existing half-cent tax. Groceries and prescription medicines would be exempt. Collection would begin April 1, 2027, and the tax would continue until voters repeal it.

Because it is a general tax, the money could be spent on any lawful city purpose. The ballot question lists fast 911 response, neighborhood police patrols, water quality standards, clean and safe parks, pothole and street repair, and keeping local businesses. An outside accountant would audit the revenue every year.

The rate depends on state law. The measure says the tax would be 1% unless state law caps it lower. Senate Bill 762 by Sen. Jesse Arreguín was written to let Hercules go past the current local sales tax cap with voter approval, The Contra Costa Pulse reported.

Why the city put it on the ballot

The City Council approved the urgency ordinance on July 28. Four members, including Mayor Chris Kelley, voted yes and Council member Dilli Bhattarai abstained, according to the city's published ordinance notice. Interim City Manager Patrick Tang told the council that revenues are "barely adequate" to keep current service levels and that a shortfall is projected to begin in fiscal year 2028-29. Tang also said a city survey found 68% of respondents supported a one-cent tax.

Kelley said the city has "very limited means to try and raise revenue" and argued that shoppers from outside town, such as contractors at the local Home Depot, would pay part of the tax, The CC Pulse reported. Contra Costa News reported that Kelley pointed to the city cutting 40% of its staff about 15 years ago and to a worsening pavement condition index.

The case for and against

Supporters, including Hercules Police Officers' Association President Chris Costa and former Mayor Darrel "Jay" Tucker, argue in the official ballot argument that Measure P protects police patrols and 911 response during state budget deficits and falling federal aid, and that none of the money can be taken by Sacramento.

The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association, led by Marc Joffe, and several Hercules residents signed the argument against. They note the city already has an indefinite half-cent Measure B sales tax and an 8% utility users tax, say General Fund spending grew from $10.2 million in 2015 to $20.7 million in 2025, and warn that if the regional half-cent transit measure also passes, Hercules shoppers would pay 10.75%. That would tie El Cerrito and Pinole for the highest rate in Contra Costa County. They add that a Hercules resident would pay $5,375 in tax on a $50,000 car wherever they buy it, since vehicle tax follows the buyer's address.

What a yes or no vote means

A yes vote adds the 1% tax starting April 2027 with no end date. A no vote keeps the rate at 9.25%, not counting any regional transit tax.