Q: What is the ‘City of Sierra Madre No-Tax Increase Gann Measure’?
A: The ‘City of Sierra Madre No-Tax Increase Gann Measure’ is being considered by the Sierra Madre
City Council to be placed for voter consideration on the June 2026 primary election ballot. If placed
and approved by voters, the measure would allow the City to override a state-mandated budget limit,
called the Gann Limit, for four years to allow the City to budget its additional existing tax revenues
for City services.
Q: Why was the ‘City of Sierra Madre No-Tax Increase Gann Measure’ being considered?
A: The City of Sierra Madre incorporated in 1907. In the over 100 years since its incorporation, the
City has grown its local economy through a series of destination community events and a thriving
local business culture that benefits residents and visitors—all of which generate additional revenue
for the City.
But because of the Gann limit, a technical limit calculated by Sacramento before Sierra Madre grew
its local economy in this way, the City cannot budget these funds without voter action.
Q. Could a Gann Limit override measure address safety and other service needs in Sierra Madre?
A: Yes. The 2025 Eaton Fire showed how important it is to have our own professional Fire Department
with staff stationed in Sierra Madre 24/7. Other mountain cities that contract out for fire services
must compete with larger cities during emergencies. Local control makes a difference.
In a recent community survey, residents said it is very important to maintain local general services,
especially fire services. Some service priorities identified by your neighbors include:
- Protecting safe clean water
- Maintaining brush clearing & wildfire prevention/ addressing the threat posed by
wildfires - Maintaining firefighter/paramedic staffing levels
- Maintaining the City’s emergency reserve fund that is used to respond to natural disasters
like wildfires, earthquakes, and major emergencies - Keeping the Sierra Madre Fire Station open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Maintaining local control 911 emergency response, fire protection, and public safety
services - Repairing potholes, streets, and sidewalks
Without the ‘No-Tax Increase Gann Measure’ the City expects it may not be able to use all its available
local tax revenue for these important services.
Q: Would the ‘City of Sierra Madre No-Tax Increase Gann Measure’ increase the taxes I pay?
A. Absolutely not. This measure does NOT increase existing taxes or impose a new tax. It simply
adjusts the state-mandated “Gann Limit” to allow Sierra Madre to budget to fully use already
available revenues to provide the services our community relies on.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Please visit sierramadreca.gov/gannlimit for more information.