Measure B qualified for the ballot after organizers submitted enough valid voter signatures. San Diego County voters will decide whether the proposed countywide sales tax takes effect.

Measure B would need a simple majority, or more than 50% of the votes cast on the measure. Because citizens placed the measure on the ballot, California law applies a different voting rule than it does to some taxes placed on the ballot by local government.

Measure B would create an ongoing source of local funding for the Tijuana River sewage crisis, childcare, healthcare, food security and public safety. The County could also borrow against future Measure B revenue to help pay for certain large projects.

Measure B is estimated to raise about $400 million–$450 million each year. The actual amount could go up or down based on taxable sales and the economy. The estimate is not guaranteed.

The spending plan provides:

• 60% for healthcare, childcare, food security and other services for children and families
• 22.5% for the Tijuana River sewage crisis
• 16% for public safety, wildfire prevention and emergency response

Up to 1.5% of revenue could be used for administration and oversight. This is a maximum amount, not a required spending level.

The measure would add a half-cent sales tax to purchases that are already taxable in San Diego County. That means an extra 50 cents on a $100 taxable purchase.

Most groceries, qualifying prescription medicine and rent are generally not subject to California sales tax. Measure B’s additional half-cent would apply only to purchases that are already taxable.

The extra half-cent would apply to purchases that are already subject to California sales tax. Examples can include clothing, electronics, furniture, restaurant meals and many vehicle purchases. Tax rules can vary by item.

Sales tax rates vary across San Diego County. Measure B would add 0.5 percentage points to the rate where a taxable purchase is made.

Sales tax is 7.75% in the City of San Diego. Measure B would raise it to 8.25%.

No. Measure B is a special tax. That means the money could only be used for purposes listed in the measure.

No. The tax would apply to taxable purchases made in San Diego County. Residents, commuters and visitors would all pay it when making taxable purchases here.

San Diego County welcomes about 32 million visitors each year. Visitors would also pay the tax when making taxable purchases in the county. The exact share paid by visitors compared with residents would vary based on tourism levels, spending patterns and the types of purchases made.

No. Measure B would create an ongoing tax with no automatic end date.

Yes. Measure B would allow the County to borrow against future revenue for certain large projects, such as wastewater treatment facilities. Those projects would still go through County planning, budgeting and purchasing rules.

The county would begin collecting the additional half-cent sales tax and putting the spending plan into place. Audits, oversight and public reporting would also begin. Some programs and large projects could take time to start.

The new countywide sales tax and its dedicated funding would not take effect.

Measure B would use a local sales tax to pay for the services listed in the measure. Voters may consider whether a sales tax is the right way to raise the money, how it could affect people and businesses, and whether federal or local government should pay more of the cost.

Measure B would give the county responsibility for collecting and managing the money. Voters may consider what role the county should play in these issues and how responsibility should be shared with federal and local governments.

• Local funding is needed because federal and state funding is uncertain. 
• Ongoing, dedicated funding could help pay for long-term Tijuana River projects and other services. 
• Local oversight, yearly audits and public reports could help show how the money is spent. 
• Local funding could make services more consistent and reduce gaps.
• San Diegans for Health and Safety supports Measure B.

• The measure would raise the county sales tax, increasing costs for consumers and businesses. 
• Mexico and U.S. federal governments - not local taxpayers - should pay more of these costs. 
• Government spending should get more review before creating a new long-term source of funding.
• Existing public funds should be spent differently before creating a new tax.
• The San Diego County Taxpayers Association opposes Measure B.

An ongoing source could provide steady funding and help pay for large projects over many years. Voters may also consider whether a tax with no automatic end date provides enough flexibility as needs and budgets change.

The crisis has many causes. They include old wastewater systems, untreated sewage, polluted runoff, dirt, trash, population growth and stormwater. Because the river crosses the U.S.-Mexico border, agencies in both countries must work together.

Residents report headaches, nausea, breathing problems and other health concerns linked to the pollution. Polluted air can affect nearby neighborhoods and schools. Polluted water can also create health risks for people who enter the ocean. Researchers are still studying long-term effects.

Polluted water from the Tijuana River can reach the Pacific Ocean. Public agencies close beaches when tests show the water may not be safe for swimming, surfing or other water activities.

The U.S. and Mexico have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in wastewater projects and treatment systems. More work is underway. Long-term progress will also depend on maintenance, more funding and continued cooperation between agencies and both countries.

Measure B could fund wastewater projects, trash and debris removal, habitat restoration, water quality work and health-related responses. Up to 22.5% of Measure B revenue could go to this issue. At least 20% of total Measure B revenue would have to go toward projects designed to stop sewage flows.

No. Measure B would provide local funding for projects, but the County would not control every source of pollution or every wastewater system. Results would also depend on how projects are built, maintained and coordinated with other governments and agencies.

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. It gives free or low-cost health coverage to people who qualify. Who qualifies depends on factors such as income, age and household situation.

More than 125,000 San Diegans could be at risk of losing Medi-Cal. More than 327,000 Medi-Cal members across the county could also be affected by new rules or reporting requirements.

County Medical Services is a county health program for adults with low incomes who do not have insurance or qualify for Medi-Cal. It connects people with care through hospitals, clinics and other providers.

People without coverage may put off checkups, medicine or treatment because of cost. Some may turn to community clinics, County Medical Services or emergency rooms, which can increase demand on local health programs.

Measure B could fund current Medicaid-supported services, County Medical Services, care through hospitals and clinics, in-home care, and staff who help people apply for health programs. The money must add to, not replace, existing County healthcare funding.

No. Federal and state rules decide who qualifies for Medi-Cal. Measure B would not change those rules. It would provide local funding for health programs serving people in need of care.

No. Measure B would fund existing programs and providers, including County Medical Services, hospitals and clinics. The county would decide how the money is used through its regular budget and planning process, following the rules in Measure B.

Public safety funding can pay for staff, training, vehicles, equipment, facilities and communication systems. These resources support fire response, wildfire preparation, law enforcement and 911 dispatch. What gets funded can vary by the county, cities, fire districts and other agencies.

Public safety is shared among the county, cities, fire districts, law enforcement agencies, medical responders and other regional partners. The agency that responds can depend on where the emergency happens and what kind of help is needed.

Wildfire mitigation means work done to lower wildfire risk and reduce damage. It can include clearing or managing vegetation, planning, equipment, public education and other steps taken before a fire starts.

911 infrastructure includes the technology and communication systems used to receive emergency calls, find a caller’s location and send help. These systems connect people with fire, medical and law enforcement services.

Measure B would direct 16% of its revenue to public safety, wildfire prevention and emergency response. The money could pay for fire preparation, wildfire mitigation, law enforcement and 911 systems.

Maybe. Measure B would provide local funding for public safety, but response times depend on many things. These include staffing, location, traffic, the number of emergencies happening at the same time and how agencies work together.

Measure B would create an additional source of funding that could only be used for purposes allowed under the measure.