Measure II Frequently Asked Questions
What is Measure II?
Voting Yes on II renews an important source of local funding is set to expire – without increasing taxes. If this funding expires, Union City would lose approximately $7,000,000 in annual funding, forcing deep cuts to essential services that keep us safe and protect our quality of life. Measure II renews the current tax rate and does not increase taxes.
Is local funding for essential services at risk?
An important source of local funding, Union City’s Utility Users Tax (UUT) on electricity, gas, video, and telecommunications services, is set to expire unless renewed by local voters. If this funding expires, Union City would lose approximately $7 million in annual funding and would have to make cuts to city services. Measure II renews this funding at the current rate we already pay without increasing taxes.
What is the Utility Users Tax?
The UUT is a locally controlled tax applied to services such as electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, and other utilities used by residents and businesses. This funding helps support day-to-day city operations that help maintain public safety and quality of life in Union City, including rapid 9-1-1 emergency response, neighborhood police patrols, and street and pothole repair.
Why do we need Measure II?
The number of 9-1-1 calls for medical emergencies in Union City is increasing. In the event of a heart attack, stroke, medical emergency, or accident, seconds are the difference between life and death. At certain times, Union City has just four on duty police officers serving our community of nearly 70,000 residents. Union City’s Police Department receives the lowest police funding per resident compared to similar local cities. Aging streets have potholes that need repairs to prevent more expensive reconstruction after streets deteriorate. Amidst these funding challenges, an important source of local funding is set to expire, Union City’s utility users tax. If it expires, Union City would lose approximately $7,000,000 in annual funding, forcing deep cuts to essential services that keep us safe and protect our quality of life. Voting YES on II would protect essential services in Union City, without increasing taxes.
What services will Measure II fund?
Measure II would renew funding for city services, including:
- Maintaining rapid 9-1-1 emergency response
- Protecting paramedic services
- Maintaining fire protection services
- Reducing crime and gun violence
- Repairing streets and fixing potholes
- Maintaining neighborhood police patrols
How can we be sure the funds will be spent properly?
Measure II continues mandatory fiscal accountability, transparency and local control protections, including
- Public disclosure of all spending and annual public reports to the community
- An independent oversight committee and annual independent financial audits
- All funds must be used locally for services in Union City and cannot be taken away by the state or federal governments
- Seniors and low-income residents can apply for an exemption
Do only homeowners pay the UUT?
No, all users of utilities like electricity, gas, and telecommunications in Union City pay the tax, including businesses. In fact, Measure II ensures large businesses that consume a lot of electricity and gas pay their fair share so that homeowners don’t shoulder the entire cost of keeping Union City safe. Measure II only renews local funding and does not increase taxes.
What level of support does Measure II need to pass?
To be approved, Measure II needs support from a simple majority (50%+1) of voters who cast ballots on the measure. All registered voters living in Union City are eligible to vote on Measure II.
When can I vote YES on II?
Measure II is on the November 3, 2026 ballot. All voters will be mailed a ballot the week of October 5. Once you receive your ballot, make sure you go to the bottom of the ballot, vote YES on II, sign and seal the envelope and mail it back right away. No postage is required. Voting sites will be open for early in-person voting and polling places will also be open on Election Day. Every vote counts for Measure II so make sure you cast your ballot!
How can I register to vote?
You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov.
How can I learn more about voting in the November 3 election?
To find out more about voting in the November 3, 2026 election, please contact the Alameda County Registrar of Voters at 510-272-6973 or visit the Alameda Elections website: https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index