Measure O

The City of Visalia is always keeping an eye on the future – planning how it can best support its residents and maintain the highest standards of living, while also adhering to State law. In response to SB 1186, the Visalia City Council adopted a resolution to place Measure O: The Visalia Cannabis Tax Authorization for Maintenance of Essential Services on the November 5 ballot.

Measure O allows Visalians to vote on taxing cannabis businesses and funnel any revenue that is received into the General Fund. Currently, there are no cannabis businesses located in Visalia. If Measure O is passed, then it would apply to businesses that are allowed to locate in Visalia under State law, or if the City Council chooses to adopt an ordinance allowing other types of cannabis businesses to operate within City limits. Measure O is intended to prepare the City in case state or local requirements change and more types of cannabis businesses are allowed in Visalia.

Measure O will allow Visalia residents to vote on taxing cannabis businesses at a rate not exceeding 10% of gross receipts or up to $10 per square foot for cultivation. The measure includes provisions for mandatory spending disclosures, and if Measure O is approved, and additional types of cannabis businesses are allowed by State law mandates or future City Council decision, then Measure O could generate approximately $500,000 per year.

The proposed tax will only be levied if State law mandates it or if the City Council passes an ordinance permitting these types of businesses to operate within Visalia. The revenue generated could be utilized to fund a variety of general governmental services including, but not limited to, preventing property crime, maintaining quick emergency response times, keeping public areas safe and clean, supporting youth programs, and road improvement projects.

To learn more about Measure O, visit www.VisaliaMeasureO.com.

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