The proposal could restrict local flexibility to fund roads, fire protection and housing programs. Designed by Magnific

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - A statewide initiative headed for the November 2026 ballot could change how counties like Butte raise money for local services.

Butte County Chief Administrative Officer Andy Pickett told supervisors April 28 that the measure, titled “Limits Ability of Voters to Raise Revenues for Local Government Services,” is among several items moving through the state process.

The initiative would require a two-thirds vote instead of a simple majority to pass new local special taxes and could affect existing voter-approved property-related taxes that do not meet the new standard within two years.

Pickett said the proposal could restrict local flexibility to fund roads, fire protection and housing programs.

“For counties like ours that depend on voter-approved revenue measures, this could make it much harder to respond to community needs,” he said.

Pickett said his office is tracking the proposal as part of the county’s legislative update, noting that the Legislative Analyst’s Office is expected to release a fiscal impact report to help local governments understand potential budget effects.

Pickett also pointed to an active stretch at the state level, with hundreds of bills already heard in committee as lawmakers move into appropriations hearings.

“The Legislature has been busy lately,” Pickett said.

Pickett said the measure continues through the process alongside other proposals that could influence local government funding in the coming year.

A similar proposal to limit local revenue measures was removed from the 2024 ballot by the California Supreme Court before voters could weigh in.