Measure G, which raises the sales tax rate from 7.75% to 8.75%, won voter approval in the November election. The tax increase takes effect April 1.
Napa’s latest voter-approved sales and use tax increase is scheduled to kick in April 1, and the city has begun planning how to spend the new revenue.
The first $5 million of collections under Measure G, the one-cent tax hike approved in November, has been allocated to street reconstruction in the Westwood neighborhood, improvements to parks, and installation of shade canopies at community gathering spaces.
Measure G, which earned 57.48% of the vote, is expected to generate $22 million annually for Napa’s general fund. It will increase sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75% within city limits at the start of next month.
At a meeting Tuesday, the City Council approved budget adjustments to make the first allocations.
A total of $3.3 million will be spent on the design and construction of curb, gutter and streets in the Westwood neighborhood, including new sidewalks to enhance pedestrian safety.
More than a million dollars will go toward renovating park sites, including Esther Deaver Park, Solomon Park and Monarch Park. In a 2023 parks report, those sites were identified as needing major repairs and improvements.
An additional $500,000 will be spent on installing overhead shade canopies in community gathering spaces.
The city also is entering into negotiations with the Napa Valley Unified School District to purchase the Harvest Middle School property. The school, which was closed in 2022, has a swimming pool and a gymnasium. If it goes through, the acquisition is likely to be supported in part by Measure G funding.
The city may use the property to expand affordable housing options and public spaces, according to a statement issued Friday.
Apart from road maintenance and park revitalization, other Measure G priorities include supporting public safety and other core services.
As the city begins allocating Measure G revenue, the city has opened applications for a citizen oversight committee to ensure transparency and accountability. The five-member committee will provide an annual audit and report of revenues and expenditures, and review projects and initiatives funded by Measure G. Members will be appointed by the city council, and will serve two-year terms.
Applicants must be full-time Napa residents and registered voters. One member must have experience in accounting or finance, and another in municipal operations and capital project delivery. The application period closes April 11.
You can reach Tarini Mehta at 707-521-5337 or tarini.mehta@pressdemocrat.com. On X (Twitter) @MehtaTarini.
