City staff evaluating 1.5% local sales tax to fund public safety services
MOUNT SHASTA — City Manager Todd Juhasz is offering residents a breakdown of what a proposed 1.5% local sales tax would mean in practical terms, as the city evaluates whether to place a measure on the November 2026 ballot.
In a message released this week, Juhasz described the tax as one and a half cents on every dollar spent on taxable purchases within city limits — meaning a $10 purchase would generate 15 cents, a $50 purchase 75 cents, and a $100 purchase $1.50.
Groceries, prescription medications, most healthcare costs, rent, and utilities would not be subject to the tax.
Juhasz noted that tourism spending contributes meaningfully to local sales tax revenue, meaning visitors — not only residents — would share in the tax burden.
If placed on the ballot and approved by voters, the revenue would remain under local control and could only be used for Mount Shasta city services. City staff is currently evaluating how the funding might be applied, with priorities including police staffing, fire protection and wildfire response, 911 emergency services, equipment replacement, and community safety programs.
Juhasz emphasized that no measure has been finalized and that the release is part of an ongoing informational process. Future communications are expected to address oversight, transparency, and accountability provisions.
