August 2, 2025
The Hanford City Council is scheduled to hold a study session on Tuesday, August 5, to evaluate when to place a proposed increase to the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) before voters. The TOT is the tax collected from guests who stay in hotels or similar lodging within city limits. The current rate is 8 percent, and the proposal would increase it by 4 percent, raising the total to 12 percent.
Back on July 1, the council approved Resolution 25-39-R, which called for a special election on November 4, 2025, to present the TOT increase to voters. However, following that action, council members requested further analysis on the costs and benefits of holding a special election versus waiting until the regularly scheduled June 2026 general election.
According to updated figures in the city’s August 5 agenda report, a standalone special election in November would cost the city an estimated $92,100 to $107,500. This full cost would be borne solely by the City of Hanford, since no other jurisdictions are placing items on the ballot that month.
In contrast, adding the measure to the June 2026 general election would cost the city an estimated $43,800 to $58,300, with costs shared among multiple agencies.
However, the timing decision also carries potential financial impacts. According to city staff, delaying the tax measure until June 2026 could result in lost revenue of approximately $120,000 to $200,000 for the general fund. City officials noted that waiting could allow more time for public education and might result in higher voter turnout, while an earlier election could bring in new revenue sooner.
The purpose of the study session is for the City Council to review the data and provide direction to staff on which election date to pursue. No final vote will be taken during the session, and the measure itself is not yet scheduled for voter consideration.
The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on August 5 in the Council Chambers at 400 N. Douty Street. The public may attend in person or view the meeting via livestream at http://livestream.hanford.city.
Kings Network News will continue to follow this issue as council members weigh their options on the timing of the proposed tax increase.
Francisco Ramirez is the founder of Kings Network News and creator of Kings Network Business, a platform that blends business networking, community support, and social media to uplift local entrepreneurs.
As a former Mayor of Hanford, California, he launched the Winter Wonderland event and brings over 20 years of business consulting experience. He is also a motivational speaker, life coach, strategist, author, podcaster, and skilled web and graphic designer.
He created The Invisible Kid: Courage to Succeed, a seminar on self-esteem and anti-bullying that has inspired youth across the region. Through media and consulting, Francisco empowers others to lead, grow, and make an impact.
