Politics
Greensborough Sales Tax Referendum: Projected Changes to Household Expenses and Emergency Response
The November ballot measure would raise the local sales tax rate by half a percentage point to support fire and ambulance operations across city districts.
How we reported this
The proposed referendum asks Greensborough voters to approve a sales tax increase from 7.5 percent to 8 percent beginning January 2027, with proceeds directed to the city's emergency services fund.
Timing and Current Pressures
City budget documents released in May 2026 show that emergency call volumes rose 12 percent between 2024 and 2025, while overtime costs for fire and paramedic staff exceeded projections by $1.1 million. The measure appears on the ballot after the council voted in June to place the question before residents rather than cut existing programs.
Households that spend $600 a month on taxable goods would pay an additional $36 annually under the new rate. The added revenue is projected to cover 18 new paramedic shifts each week and replace two aging ambulances scheduled for retirement in 2028.
Budget Figures and Allocation
According to the finance department's March 2026 forecast, the half-cent increase would generate $4.8 million in the first full year. Of that amount, 65 percent is earmarked for personnel, 25 percent for vehicle replacement, and 10 percent for station maintenance in the north and east districts.
Residents in those districts currently wait an average of 9 minutes and 40 seconds for ambulance arrival, a figure the department links to equipment shortages. The legislation states that funds cannot be transferred to other city departments without another public vote.
Voters will decide the measure on 3 November 2026. If approved, the tax change takes effect on the first day of the following calendar year and remains in place for eight years before automatic sunset unless renewed.