Measure R

Measure R was referred to the ballot by the Rancho Mirage City Council. If approved by a majority of voters, it would establish a one-cent transactions and use tax on taxable sales within the City, with revenue deposited into the City's General Fund.

A "YES vote" approves the measure.

A "NO vote" rejects the measure.

Key Facts About Measure R

• Referred to the November 3, 2026 ballot by the Rancho Mirage City Council on July 16, 2026, by a unanimous vote of 5-0.
• The measure would establish a one cent (1%) transactions and use tax, commonly called a sales tax, on taxable sales within the City of Rancho Mirage.
• The City's current sales tax rate is 7.75%. If the measure passes, the rate would be 8.75%, the same rate currently charged in Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella and Desert Hot Springs.
• The tax would be paid by anyone making a taxable purchase in Rancho Mirage, including visitors. City estimates indicate that approximately 75% of sales tax dollars collected in Rancho Mirage are paid by tourists and visitors. Certain items are exempt from sales tax under state law, including most groceries, prescriptions and many medical supplies, rent, utilities and services.
• The measure is a general tax. Revenue would be deposited in the City's General Fund for general government purposes and could be used for any lawful City purpose. By law these funds would have to remain in Rancho Mirage, can cannot be taken by the State or County. 
• City staff estimate the tax would generate approximately $7.5 million annually. Funds would remain in Rancho Mirage and could not be taken by the State or transferred to another agency.
• The measure would remain in effect until ended by voters and would require public disclosure of spending.

Rancho Mirage is a low property tax city, and an average of less than 4% of each  property tax dollar collected within the City is allocated to the City's General Fund. The City's budgeted General Fund for the current fiscal year is $38.4 million, of which approximately 50% is devoted to public safety and approximately 12% to public works.