Argument in Favor of Measure S

Imperial County Citizens’ Initiative - Public Safety Sales Tax Measure  |  Election Day:  Nov 3, 2026

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE S

VOTE YES on Measure S to improve PUBLIC SAFETY across Imperial County.  

When life-threatening emergencies strike, EVERY SECOND COUNTS. Since 1907, your Imperial County firefighters and sheriff’s deputies have answered the call, heroically saving lives, eliminating threats, reducing crime, and protecting families, homes, and property across Imperial County’s massive 4,500 square mile area.  

Here’s the problem: limited funding and rising costs have taken their toll, leaving County public safety professionals spread dangerously thin. Today, our Imperial County first responders serve without modern technology, working with deteriorated fire stations, aging equipment, and an obsolete Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  They use an outdated 911 dispatch system and Coroner’s Office so limited that ALL autopsies must be sent to San Diego County for processing.  Protecting the public’s safety under these conditions is itself, tragic. 

Measure S provides a responsible solution.     

Passage of Measure S will:

• Improve 911 emergency response across Imperial County.
• Modernize technology, allowing law enforcement, firefighters and paramedics to communicate with each other at ALL times.
• Upgrade deteriorated fire stations, public safety facilities and lifesaving vehicles/equipment.
• Retain/attract qualified first responders.
• Improve 911 response during natural disasters and major safety threats. 

To fund these dire needs, Measure S authorizes a modest, locally controlled ½-cent sales tax, countywide, expiring in 20 years. 

Taxpayer Protections are REQUIRED! By law, ALL Measure S funds go strictly to Imperial County PUBLIC SAFETY.  The State CANT take this funding away. The County CAN’T use it for other purposes. Independent Citizens' Oversight, mandatory audits and public disclosure ensure proper spending.   

Firefighters, paramedics, County Sheriff Fred Miramontes, deputy sheriffs, safety advocates, community leaders, and concerned residents across Imperial County urge your support.   

REMEMBER:  Your VOTE is an investment in YOUR future.  Give first responders the tools they need to protect us when we need them most.  

For a safer, stronger Imperial County, VOTE YES on  S.  

SIGNATORIES

Fred Miramontes, Imperial Co. Sheriff,  50+ yrs. in Public Safety, Lifelong Imperial Co. Resident, Youth Advocate
Martha Cardenas-Singh, Imperial Co. Supervisor, District 2 & Former El Centro Mayor and City Council Member
Mark McBroom, Lifelong IC Resident, Citrus Grower/Businessman, Philanthropist, & Brawley HS Graduate 
Norma Aguilar, Calexico Homeowner, Parent, Public Safety Advocate, 20-yr. SDSU/Calexico Disabled Students Advocate
David Lantzer, Imperial Co. Fire Chief, 39-year Firefighter, 30-year IC Resident & Holtville Homeowner