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Residential Sidewalk Repairs Now an Issue in Measure S Sales Tax Renewal for City of Monterey
At their meeting tonight, the Monterey City Council will discuss establishment of a three-year pilot program to pay for residential sidewalk repairs using sales tax revenue authorized by Measure S, which voters approved in November 2018 as the successor to Measure P, which voters had approved in November 2014. See Item 9 at Monterey City Council - September 1, 2026 Meeting.
Measure S expires on March 31, 2027, but the Monterey City Council has placed a measure to renew it (also designated as Measure S) on the upcoming November 2026 ballot. It needs two-thirds voter approval.
There are two staff proposals for the pilot program: (1) a fully-funded minor repair program that would use city funds to repair "eligible minor sidewalk defects adjacent to private property through slicing, grinding, or similar cost-effective treatments" or (2) a combination of minor repairs paid for by the city with a cost-sharing structure [with property owners] for major repairs that include removal and replacement of sidewalk panels.
Some residents have asserted that the City of Monterey should not charge private property owners for sidewalk repairs when it is already collecting sales tax revenue through Measure S for sidewalk repairs. The Monterey Peninsula Taxpayers Association has announced that it will support Measure S "provided the city council enact a resolution declaring that Measure S funds will pay for all residential sidewalk repairs that are not caused by deliberate negligence of the owner." It has asked the city council to make a decision by September 15 on whether Measure S funds will pay for such repairs.
Your Chamber of Commerce notes that deteriorating streets compromise the quality of life for employees and customers of local businesses. They also present a highly-visible negative impression to outsiders who are important for local economic development: (1) tourists, (2) groups looking at Monterey as a potential site for conferences among many competing locations, and (3) military officials evaluating possible bases for future closures.
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