SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif — People in Sacramento will have many different choices when they fill out their ballot for Nov. 5. While the presidential election will dominate the top of the ticket, several key decisions need to be made down ballot.
Many of which are over local bond measures. Often used to finance infrastructure projects, bonds allow municipalities to raise funds quickly from investors, that get paid back later on with interest.
Important note for the bond measures: they propose raising property taxes to pay back the funds. The property tax increases are based on the assessed value of people’s properties.
People can examine their assessed value with Sacramento County’s Assessed Value Look-up tool.
Here is a breakdown of some of the bond measures voters throughout the county will decide on.
Measure O
This bond measure seeks to raise $415 million to fund the Sacramento Metro Fire District. If approved, the measure would increase property taxes by approximately $19 per $100,000 of assessed value.
Funds would go to updating fire and emergency services equipment, fire stations, and emergency vehicles. A citizen oversight committee would be established to make sure funds are spent appropriately.
This measure requires a two-thirds vote for approval. A "Yes" vote means you approve the bond measure, a "No" vote means you don’t want the bond funding.
Measure D
This bond will raise $543 million for the Sacramento City Unified School District to use toward expanding Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM ) classrooms. It would institute a property tax not to exceed $35 per $100,000 of assessed value.
Funds will be used for infrastructure projects at several schools throughout the county, including adding a new swimming pool at C.K. McClatchy High School.
There will also be investments to improve schools’ technology and HVAC systems countywide.
This measure requires a 55% approval to pass.
Yes: You want the Sacramento City Unified School District to issue bonds in an amount, not to exceed $543 million.
NO: You do not want the Sacramento City Unified School District to issue the proposed bonds.
Measure H
This measure will raise $27 million in funds for the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District to use for roof, plumbing, heating and ventilation system improvements. This also adds a three-cent property tax increase per $100 of assessed value.
Proposed projects include: repairing roofs, plumbing and HVAC systems. They will also go toward updating classrooms and athletic facilities. Funds will also go to improving school security and fire safety.
Measure H requires a 55% approval to be passed.
Yes: You want the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District to issue the $27 million bond
No: you do not want the Galt Joint Union Elementary School District to issue the $27 million bond
Measure J
Another school bond measure, Measure J will authorize $4,300,000 for the Elverta Joint Elementary School District to use for school infrastructure improvements and create more accessible spaces for people with disabilities.
Measure J requires a 55% approval rate to be passed.
Yes: You want the Elverta Joint Elementary School District to issue the $4,300,000 bond
No: You do not want the Elverta Joint Elementary School District to issue the $4,300,000 bond
Measure K
This bond measure would authorize $598 million for the San Joaquin Delta Community College District. It would implement a $16 property tax increase per $100,000 in assessed value.
Funds will improve classrooms, labs, and the district’s vocational career training programs. They will also help remove asbestos, lead paint and mold from the schools and provide clean drinking water.
Measure K requires a 55% approval rate to be passed.
Yes: You want the San Joaquin Delta Community College District to issue the $598 million bond
No: You do not want the San Joaquin Delta Community College District to issue the $598 million bond
Measure L
This bond measure would authorize $24 million for the Orangevale Recreation & Parks District to use for facility improvements. This would create an approximate property tax increase of $15.96 per $100,000 assessed value.
The funds will go to updating facilities at the following parks: Almond Park Norma Hamlin Park Orangevale Community Center Park Orangevale Community Park Palisades Park Pecan Park Rollingwood Natural Area Streng Park Sundance Park Youth Center Park.
Funds will also go to renovating a 60-year-old youth center that offers after-school activities
Measure L requires a two-thirds majority approval to pass
Yes: You want the Orangevale Recreation & Parks District to issue the $24 million bond
No: You do not want the Orangevale Recreation & Parks District to issue the $24 million bond
Measure M
This bond measure would authorize the Arcohe Union School District to issue $5,800,000 in funds for school improvement projects. It would create a property tax increase of three cents per $100 assessed value.
The funds will go to infrastructure projects including improvements to schools’ classrooms, roofs, plumbing and electrical systems. Funds will also be used to ensure access to clean drinking water.
Measure M requires a 55% approval rate to pass
Yes: You want the Arcohe Union School District to issue the $5,800,000 bond
No: You do not want the Archoe Union School district to issue the $5,800,000 bond
Measure N
This measure would authorize $542 million for the Elk Grove School District for school infrastructure projects. This would create a property tax increase of $33.94 per $100,000 of assessed value.
Funds will go to constructing classrooms, labs, and career technical facilities in schools throughout the district.
Measure N requires a 55% approval rate to pass.
Yes: You want the Elk Grove School District to issue the $542 million bond
No: You don’t want the Elk Grove School District to issue the $542 million bond
Measure P
This measure would authorize the San Juan Unified School District to authorize $950,000,000 in funds for school improvements. It would create a $60 property tax increase for every $100,000 of assessed value.
Funds will be for classroom updates, removing asbestos and lead paint and helping with teacher recruitment.
Measure P requires a 55% voter approval rate to pass.
Yes: You want the San Juan Unified School District to issue the $950 million bond
No: You do not want the San Juan Unified School District to issue the $950 million bond
Measure Q
This measure would allow the Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District to authorize $24 million in funds to help with park improvements. It would create an approximate property tax increase of $18.40 per $100,000 of assessed value.
The funds would go to new safety equipment such as lights and cameras. Funds will also be used for playground equipment upgrades and to construct an outdoor performing arts venue at Howe Park.
Measure Q requires a two-thirds majority approval to pass.
Yes: You want the Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District to authorize the $24 million bond
No: You do not want the Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District to authorize the $24 million bond
Measures R & S
These two ballot measures will allow the Rancho Cordova Unified School District to authorize $144 million for elementary, middle and high schools in the district. It would create a property tax increase of $60 per $100,000 of assessed value.
The funds would go to updating schools' infrastructure and emergency communications systems. It would also help ensure students have access to clean drinking water and safe places to play.
Measures R and S require 55% voter approval to pass.
Yes: You want the Rancho Cordova Unified School District to issue the bonds
No: You do not want the Rancho Cordova Unified School District to issue the bonds
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