Santee Voters To Decide On 1% Sales Tax Measure In November

SANTEE, CA — Santee voters will decide in November whether to approve a 1% local sales tax expected to generate about $14 million annually for city services and infrastructure.

The City Council placed the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot while also approving a $72 million operating budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year that maintains the city's 22% General Fund reserve and adds no new full-time positions.

If approved, the tax revenue would help fund street repairs, traffic improvements, fire station upgrades, storm drain repairs, and maintenance of parks and public facilities, according to the city.

Santee has never adopted a local sales tax since incorporating in 1980 and currently receives a 1% share of the existing sales tax rate. The proposed tax would add $1 to every $100 in taxable purchases, with exemptions for groceries, prescription medications and diapers.

The measure would require a simple majority vote to pass and would remain in effect for 10 years. It also would require annual independent financial audits and the establishment of an independent citizens' oversight committee.