Highland

#Key findings

• Measure E is a permanent 1-cent sales tax (7.75% → 8.75%), about $6.35M a year for the general fund. ^[1]
• The city says it has balanced budgets by delaying maintenance and infrastructure, and projects spending will exceed revenue starting in 2027. ^[2]
• The signers include Sheriff Shannon Dicus and Supervisor Dawn Rowe. Highland's police service is a contract with the Sheriff's Department, so a large share of the money would flow to that contract. ^[2]
• No argument against was filed. ^[3]
• Council: District 2 incumbent Jimmy Saldana is unopposed. District 4 is a two-way race between Jason Isaacs and Christy Marin. ^[4]

#Measure E: One-cent sales tax for police, fire and roads

What it does: Adds 1% to the sales tax until voters repeal it. It's a general tax (simple majority), so the listed uses aren't legally binding: police, fire and paramedic staffing, neighborhood patrols, code enforcement, and roads, including the 5th Street Corridor interchange. Accountability comes through the normal budget and annual audit; no citizens' oversight committee is described. ^[1]

Money and conflicts: Signed for: Mayor Penny Lilburn, Sheriff Shannon Dicus, Fire Chief Liz Brown, Supervisor Dawn Rowe, and the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce. The Sheriff's Department is the city's contracted police provider. ^[2]

Does it solve a lasting problem? It addresses a projected gap and deferred road work. Because it's a general tax with no committee, voters have to rely on future councils to spend it as promised. Neighboring Yucaipa (60%) and Fontana (51.5%) passed similar 1-cent taxes in 2024. ^[5]

#Council District 2

#Jimmy Saldana (incumbent)

• Unopposed. ^[4]

#Council District 4

#Jason Isaacs

• I found no independent reporting on this candidate.

#Christy Marin

• I found no independent reporting on this candidate.