Sentinel staff report–
The Measure M sales tax proposal in Citrus Heights is still too close to call two days after the election, with vote totals coming in showing voters were split on whether to approve the 1% sales tax.
As of Thursday morning, official vote counts release by Sacramento County show Measure M narrowly ahead by just over 300 votes, out of 18,300 votes counted so far. 50% cast a “yes” vote, while 49% cast a vote against the tax measure.
Initial tallies reported on election night showed Measure M passing with 51%, but that lead has narrowed as more votes were counted. The next vote count update is expected this Friday by 4 p.m.
Proponents of the sales tax remain hopeful their lead will maintain, while opponents remain optimistic.
“There are still many ballots to be counted, but we are hopeful based upon the preliminary vote results of 51% in favor of Measure M,” said Yes on M spokeswoman Jeannie Bruins.
No on M spokesman Bruce Lee offered a different perspective, saying the late mail-in ballot results are “heavily favoring our campaign.”
“With around half the ballots left to be counted, we have good reason to be cautiously optimistic that Measure M will be defeated,” Lee said Wednesday.
During the campaign, Measure M proponents said the tax was needed to raise an estimated $12 million annually to cover services like escalating road repair costs and public safety, while opponents claimed the city had mismanaged its current funds and said the wording of the tax measure would allow funds to be spent on anything.
The close outcome is in sharp contrast to polling conducted in late June by EMC Research which showed 66% support for the sales tax measure and just 28% opposing, with about 5% undecided. The polling also found that number rising to 71% support, “after hearing more information.”
The polling was conducted with 404 likely voters and had a margin of error listed at 4.88%. (See polling)
