Early election results unfavorable for St. Helena’s Measure A, to create real estate tax - The Press Democrat

Nov 06, 2024

Measure A1 would create a charter city to allow for real estate transfer tax, and Measure A2 would create a special real estate transfer tax for general revenues.

A pair of ballot measures that together would tax property sales and transfers in St. Helena and raise millions for the city’s general fund are both currently headed toward failure early election results show.

The tax, should it pass, is expected to raise roughly $4.8 million annually for the city’s general fund. The city is currently facing a $7 million structural budget deficit and has explored various ways to close that gap in recent years.

Results for Measure A1, which would enable St. Helena to become a charter city and make it legally able to enact a real estate transfer tax, show that of 36% of the total potential vote counted, 48% were voting to approve the measure. The Press Democrat will rely on information from election officials before determining if the measure passes or fails, as not everyone who received a ballot will have voted.

Results for Measure A2, which would enact the tax, show that of 36% of the total potential vote, 44% are voting in favor.

Should either of the measures fail to garner a simple majority of votes, the tax will fail.

If it passes, the tax would be applied when properties change hands, by taxing a percentage of the sales price. That would entail:

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

You can reach Staff Writer Edward Booth at 707-521-5281 or [email protected].