- Home
- Government
- Election Information
- Measure T
Measure T
Why do we need Measure T?
Fontana’s 52 parks and recreation areas are a source of community pride. However, the City needs additional funding to help keep them safe and clean for our residents. Thousands of Fontana children and youth rely on City-run and supervised afterschool and summer programs, as well as gang prevention programs for at-risk youth. These programs keep our community’s kids off the streets, safe, and away from gangs and out of trouble.
Fontana has its own Police Department, guaranteeing our police are available when needed. When you have an emergency, every second counts. We need to have enough public safety professionals to respond quickly to 911 emergencies and keep our community safe.
Prior to last year’s rainy season, independent engineers rated over 20% of Fontana’s streets as “very poor,” “poor,” or “marginal” and their condition has worsened. The city needs a local source of funding to help the City fix its aging infrastructure and keep up with regular repairs.
Our City has been able to keep a balanced budget, however inflation and community growth impact our available resources. A local source of funding is needed to help maintain our existing levels of service as well as any enhancements.
What could Measure T do?
Measure T funding would be available to fund all city general government uses, including:
Maintaining 911 response times | Supporting after-school, youth sports, and gang prevention programs | Preventing property crimes |
Keeping public areas safe and clean and protecting local drinking water sources | Fixing potholes and repairing city streets | Maintaining City public safety buildings and equipment |
How can I be certain all Measure T funds will be spent wisely?
Measure T requires strict accountability requirements to ensure transparency and public oversight. Local control and independent annual audits would ensure all funds are used in Fontana, as voters intended. By law, no money could be taken away by the State or the County. Measure T would not be applied to groceries or prescription medicine.
How much will Measure T cost?
Measure T is a one-cent sales tax that would add $1 to a $100 purchase of taxable goods.
Will Fontana’s visitors pay their fair share?
Yes. Measure T is not a property tax and visitors will pay a portion, ensuring that local homeowners and renters don’t shoulder the entire burden.
Will Measure T affect essential purchases?
No. By law, everyday essential purchases like groceries, feminine hygiene products and prescription medicine are exempt from the sales tax, which helps ensure the cost is not a burden to those on fixed or limited incomes.
Can the state or federal governments cut or take Measure T funds?
No. Legally, every penny of Measure T must stay in Fontana to support essential city services. Nothing can be taken or redirected by the state or federal governments. Right now, nearly all sales tax revenue generated locally goes to the State or County. Measure T ensures a higher percentage of our sales tax dollars stay local to meet our community’s needs.
Is Measure T a property tax?
Measure T is not a tax on property, meaning both local residents and out-of-town visitors would pay sales tax on purchases. Measure T helps ensure out-of-town visitors pay their fair share when they shop in our community.
If Measure T is approved, how will Fontana’s sales tax rate compare to nearby cities?
San Bernardino County cities have sales tax rates ranging between 7.75% and 8.75%. The current sales tax rate in Fontana is 7.75%, which is the lowest possible tax rate in San Bernardino County. If Measure T is approved, a one-cent increase would bring the sales tax up to 8.75%.
Neighboring Cities' Sales & Use Tax Rates (Effective as of July 1, 2024)
| City | Rate |
| Claremont | 9.500% |
| Montclair | 9.000% |
| Ontario | 8.750% |
| Redlands | 8.750% |
| San Bernardino | 8.750% |
| Riverside | 8.750% |
| Chino | 8.750% |
| Colton | 8.750% |
| Temecula | 8.750% |
| Barstow | 8.750% |
| Yucca Valley | 8.750% |
Fontana | 7.75% |
Rates from the California Department of Tax and Administration (Effective as of July 1, 2024)
How many votes does Measure T need to pass?
Measure T needs a 50%+1 majority vote in order to pass. All registered voters living in the City of Fontana are eligible to vote on Measure T.
When can I vote on Measure T?
Measure T is on the November 5, 2024 ballot. All registered voters in the City of Fontana are eligible to vote on the measure.
How can I vote on Measure T?
Whether or not you typically vote at the polls, all voters will be mailed a ballot in this election the week of October 7. Once you receive your ballot and desire to support Measure T mark YES on T, sign and seal the envelope and mail it back right away. No postage is required.
Vote sites will be open for early in-person voting and polling places will also be open on Election Day. Every vote counts for Measure T so make sure you cast your ballot!
How can I register to vote?
You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov.
How can I learn more about voting in the November 5 Election?
To find out more about voting in the November 5, 2024 election, please contact the Fontana City Clerk at (909) 350-7602 or visit the San Bernardino County Elections website at https://www.sbcountyelections.com/Elections/2020/1103.aspx.