Modesto Sales Tax Increase Trailing, But Narrowly

Modesto voters were split on whether to increase the city's sales tax by one percent for six years. With 100% of precincts reporting, the measure is traiiling by fewer than 300 votes.

Measure X would raise the sales tax by one percent - bringing it to 8.625 percent. The money would go into the city's general fund, which has a multi-million dollar deficit.  City officials have said they'll have to make more cuts to city services if the measure fails.