American Canyon City Services Measure

November 2026 General Election 

To help fund key City services and community priorities, the City Council voted on June 16 to place City Services Measure on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 General Election. American Canyon residents will have the chance to vote on a proposed 1% (or 1-cent) sales tax increase that is estimated to secure approximately $3.7 million for the City. Currently, American Canyon's sales tax rate is 7.75%, which is one of the lowest amongst its closest neighboring cities. The proposed 1% (or 1-cent) sales tax would bring the local rate to 8.75%, aligning it with the City of Napa's rate. All revenue generated by the sales tax measure is legally required to remain within the American Canyon community.

Language That Will Appear on the Ballot

Shall an ordinance funding American Canyon's general City services, such as maintaining 911 response/neighborhood police patrols; preventing crime; reducing wildfire risk by managing brush/other flammable vegetation; addressing speeding/unsafe driving; keeping public areas/parks safe/clean; maintaining and expanding safe places for children to play; maintaining parks, trails, youth/adult recreation, senior programming, amongst others; by establishing a 1% sales tax, providing approximately $3,700,000 annually until ended by voters, requiring audits, spending disclosures, funds locally controlled, be adopted? 

American Canyon's Financial Outlook 

While American Canyon's budget is currently balanced, expenses are projected to outpace revenues starting in Fiscal Year (FY) 2029-30, resulting in a deficit of almost $1 million by FY 2032-33. 

Sales tax is one of the City's largest revenue sources. As the City continues to grow, additional funding will be needed to manage rising expenses and sustain long-term priorities. Without additional, locally-controlled funding, American Canyon may face service reductions, potentially leading to longer emergency response times, a reduction in proactive wildfire prevention efforts and delayed timelines for major parks and recreation initiatives. 

Public Safety 

Maintaining public safety is a top priority for the City of American Canyon. The cost of providing public safety services continues to rise as American Canyon grows and demand for services increases. The General Fund Police Department budget for FY 2026-27 is $10.5 million representing 30% of the General Fund. This year's budget is a 1% increase from the $9.7 million that was spent on Public Safety in FY 2025-26. 

In addition to competing with rising costs, the City wants to continue to invest in the future of Public Safety in American Canyon. In FY 2026-27 and 2027-28, the City plans to fund two additional law enforcement positions through its contract with the Napa County Sheriff's Office: a School Resource Officer (SRO) dedicated to American Canyon High School and an additional patrol officer to enhance citywide public safety services. 

What Is/IS Not Taxed

The sales tax does not apply to essential items such as groceries, prescriptions or rent. However, when residents and visitors shop at restaurants, car dealerships, coffee shops, or purchase gasoline and non-essential groceries, they contribute to local sales tax. Over 50% of the generated revenue would come from visitors, distributing the cost of the measure across all consumers shopping locally. 

A Local Investment 

All of the funds generated from this proposed sales tax measure are legally required to stay within the City of American Canyon. 

Of the current 7.75% sales tax rate, American Canyon received 1% of the revenue. For example, on a $100 gasoline purchase, the City receives $1.00. If the sales tax increases to 8.75%, the City would receive an additional 1% (or 1-cent), raising its sales tax revenue from the original $100 purchase to approximately $2.00. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)