Measure L is the Transportation Ordinance and Expenditure Plan approved by Stanislaus County voters on November 8, 2016. The measure raises the sales tax in Stanislaus County by one-half cent, from April 1, 2017, until March 31, 2042 (25 years); at which time it terminates. To extend the funding, it would require the voters of Stanislaus County to vote on approving its extension. Measure L includes strong taxpayer safeguards to ensure that the projects and programs approved by the voters are funded and delivered. A Citizens Oversight Committee has been created to provide an enhanced level of accountability for expenditures made under the Plan to ensure that all voter mandates are carried out and that the financial integrity and performance of the program are maintained.
The funds raised are to be used to improve our local streets and roads, improve connectivity, and reduce congestion. The funds are allocated to all 9 cities in Stanislaus County, plus Stanislaus County itself. The City of Newman receives 1.26% of the total Measure L funds collected. The City of Newman, to make the best use of the funds, saves up for several years, then does a larger project. This reduces the amount of funds used on mobilization and allows more funds to be spent on the streets themselves. The City does not borrow funds to do these projects since a large portion of our raised revenues would be used to pay interest, instead of improving our roads.
The Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) is a council of city and county governments comprised of the Cities of Ceres, Hughson, Modesto, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank, Turlock and Waterford, and the County of Stanislaus, that was established in 1971 by a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) to address regional transportation issues. StanCOG is responsible for overseeing the allocation and spending of Measure L funds. Links to their websites are found below: