Santee voters will decide Nov. 3 whether to approve a 1% local sales tax after the City Council placed the measure on the ballot while approving the city's 2026-27 operating budget, according to Patch.

The city says revenue from the proposed tax would help pay for street repairs, traffic improvements, fire station upgrades, storm drain repairs and maintenance of parks and public facilities. The measure would require a simple majority to pass.

Santee has not adopted a local sales tax since incorporating in 1980, according to Patch. The proposal would add $1 to every $100 in taxable purchases, with exemptions for groceries, prescription medications and diapers.

If approved, the tax would remain in effect for 10 years. The measure also calls for annual independent financial audits and an independent citizens' oversight committee.