The Visalia City Council is expected to approve a feasibility study that may result in a sales tax ballot measure on the November ballot. This week the city approved a $45,000 study with a consultant to look at public opinion regarding an increase in the local sales tax rate. Right now Visalia sales tax is 8.5%
If they decide to move forward, the city council is expected to say that the sales tax measure would not be for a specific purpose requiring a third majority but a general tax that only requires only a simple majority of voters to be enacted.
Among the arguments to expand funding are the need for enhanced recreational opportunities in town.
During the January 20, 2026 Council meeting, Council directed staff to return with funding options for total and phased approaches to the proposed aquatics facility project, including projected timelines.At that meeting the council heard they may need more than $30 million to build an aquatic center with a 50-meter pool with a large recreation pool.
The increase in sales tax rates in Visalia could be as little as 1/4 cent to a half cent, taking Visalia sales tax rate up to 9%.Plenty of California communities have rates in that range including Los Angeles (9.75%), Clovis at 8.98% and Porterville at 9.25%.Other area cities with simar rates include Coalinga, Fowler, Huron, Kerman, Kingsburg, and Parlier.
Advocates of a sales tax increase point out that approximately 40% of an increase in sales tax here will come from those visiting Visalia to shop, dine and stay- leveraging the strength of Visalia as a regional retail and tourist hub to benefit the quality of life in Visalia.