Benicia, Measure B

Should the city of Benicia adopt a three-quarter percent increase of its sales tax to generate additional revenue for general government purposes?

Measure B

Benicia. Sales tax. Passes with majority vote.

Yes72.1%
7,335 votes
No27.8%
2,829 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County

The measure would raise the sales tax rate from 8.375% to 9.125%, generating an estimated $5.4 million annually. The increase would go to the city’s general fund, and could be used for everything from maintaining police services and 911 response times to funding local parks, library services and infrastructure projects. The measure would require accountability provisions, including public disclosure of spending, annual financial audits and a citizens’ oversight committee. It would sunset in 12 years. Passes with a majority vote.

Yes Argument

Measure B is necessary to safeguard Benicia’s public safety and essential city services. Benicia’s population is stagnant, so the economy can’t support the level of city services that make it a safe, vibrant community. City leaders have already cut programs and staff to save money, threatening the quality of those services. This new tax would cost the average resident $10 a month. 

No Argument

The measure doesn’t guarantee the money raised would be used for public safety. There’s other unnecessary spending in the city’s budget that should be cut before raising taxes. High salaries, pension and retirement health benefits are the biggest drain on the budget. Higher sales taxes will hurt local businesses.

Key Supporters

This list represents notable organizations and individuals who have taken a position on the ballot measure or candidate, or who are funding campaigns in support or opposition. This list is not exhaustive, and may be updated.

In Support

  • Steve Young, mayor and City Council member, Benicia 
  • John Garamendi, U.S. Representative 
  • Bill Dodd, state senator
  • Lori Wilson, state Assembly member
  • Benicia Police Officers’ Association
  • Benicia Firefighters — Local 1186
  • Napa-Solano Central Labor Council

In Opposition

  • Solano County Taxpayers Association

More Solano County Key Races

U.S. House of Representatives, District 4

Top two candidates advance to general election.

Lou Correa (D)(incumbent)
David Pan (R)
Race called at 8:00 PM PT on March 5, 2024
Associated Press
This percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.

U.S. House of Representatives, District 7

Top two candidates advance to general election.

Doris Matsui (D)(incumbent)56.4%
89,456 votes
Tom Silva (R)30.8%
48,920 votes
David Mandel (D)12.6%
20,046 votes
Race called at 5:00 PM PT on March 8, 2024
99% of votes countedAssociated Press
This percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.

U.S. House of Representatives, District 8

Top two candidates advance to general election.

Rudy Recile (R)
John Garamendi (D)(incumbent)
Race called at 8:00 PM PT on March 5, 2024
Associated Press
This percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.

State Senate, District 3

Top two candidates advance to general election.

Thom Bogue (R)27.8%
61,776 votes
Christopher Cabaldon (D)26.5%
59,041 votes
Rozzana Verder-Aliga (D)20.4%
45,546 votes

Race called at 6:24 PM PT on March 14, 2024
99% of votes countedAssociated Press
This percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.

State Assembly, District 11

Top two candidates advance to general election.

Lori Wilson (D)(incumbent)50.1%
50,085 votes
Dave Ennis (R)26.1%
26,074 votes
Wanda Wallis (R)14.6%
14,638 votes

Race called at 6:01 PM PT on March 7, 2024
99% of votes countedAssociated Press
This percentage is an Associated Press estimate of how much of the vote in an election has been counted. It is informed by turnout in recent elections, details on votes cast in advance and – after polls close – early returns. The estimate may fluctuate as election officials report additional results and AP learns more about how many voters have cast a ballot.

Superior Court Judge, Department 15

Candidate with majority vote wins seat. If no candidate reaches majority, top two candidates advance to runoff in general election.

Bryan J. Kim54.9%
44,865 votes
Mike Thompson45%
36,844 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County

Board of Supervisors, District 1

Candidate with majority vote wins seat. If no candidate reaches majority, top two candidates advance to runoff in general election.

Cassandra James53.5%
7,385 votes
Michael Wilson46.4%
6,401 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County

Board of Supervisors, District 2

Candidate with majority vote wins seat. If no candidate reaches majority, top two candidates advance to runoff in general election.

Monica Brown(incumbent)55%
10,951 votes
Rochelle Sherlock29.2%
5,817 votes
Nora Dizon15.7%
3,135 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County

Board of Supervisors, District 5

Candidate with majority vote wins seat. If no candidate reaches majority, top two candidates advance to runoff in general election.

Mitch Mashburn(incumbent)62.6%
11,210 votes
Chadwick J. Ledoux37.3%
6,678 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County

Sacramento County Board of Education

Candidate with majority vote wins seat. If no candidate reaches majority, top two candidates advance to runoff in general election.

Heather Davis(incumbent)81%
2,960 votes
Shazleen Khan18.9%
690 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County

Measure A

Benicia. Hotel tax. Passes with majority vote.

Yes77.6%
7,869 votes
No22.3%
2,267 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County

Measure B

Benicia. Sales tax. Passes with majority vote.

Yes72.1%
7,335 votes
No27.8%
2,829 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County

Measure C

Benicia Unified School District. School bond. Passes with 55% vote.

Yes62.4%
6,316 votes
No37.5%
3,796 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County

Measure N

Davis Joint Unified School District. Parcel tax. Passes with 2/3 vote.

Yes33.3%
5 votes
No66.6%
10 votes
Updated at 7:08 PM PT on March 28, 2024
Solano County