Politics

Mill Park Proposition A Sales Tax Measure Sets Funding for Roads and Parks

The 0.5 percent local sales tax increase would generate revenue for specific street repairs and park projects, raising annual costs for typical households by an estimated $180 while directing money to 12 miles of pavement work.

By Mill Park Policy Desk · Published 8 July 2026

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Mill Park Proposition A Sales Tax Measure Sets Funding for Roads and Parks — Photo by ell brown / flickr (by)

Voters in Mill Park will decide Proposition A on the November ballot, a referendum that would lift the city sales tax rate by half a percentage point to pay for road resurfacing and park facility upgrades.

The measure follows the Mill Park Finance Department March 2026 report that documented a $4.2 million shortfall in capital improvement accounts for the current fiscal year, with deferred maintenance on major arterials listed as the largest single item.

Costs and Service Changes for Households

Shoppers would pay the higher rate on most retail purchases except groceries and prescriptions, adding roughly $180 a year for a household of four according to the city controller spending model drawn from 2025 consumer data. Drivers on Oak Street and Riverside Drive would see 12 miles of pavement resurfaced within the first 24 months if collections begin, while residents near Central Park could gain new playground equipment and lighting funded by the 40 percent share set aside for recreation sites.

Businesses would collect the tax at the point of sale under the same rules that apply to the existing rate, and the ordinance exempts the same categories already shielded from the base tax. Households in north district apartments without cars would see limited change in daily travel costs but could reach upgraded play areas within walking distance.

The fiscal impact statement projects $1.8 million in new annual revenue, split 60 percent to streets division accounts and 40 percent to parks maintenance as written in the ballot text.

Ballot Schedule and Fund Use Rules

Mail ballots reach registered voters on October 15, and polls close November 3. Passage by majority would set the rate change for January 1 2027, after which the city council must schedule three public hearings on project lists within 90 days as required by the city charter.

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