FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 29, 2026

Media Contact: Kerry Kallman, City Manager  |  (310) 378-0383  |  kkallman@pvestates.org

City Council Places Police Services Parcel Tax Measure on November 2026 Ballot

Measure would extend the expiring Measure E parcel tax at a new rate to maintain local police services and continue reducing the City’s pension liability

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA — The Palos Verdes Estates City Council has placed a measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot asking voters whether to extend the City’s existing Measure E parcel tax for six more years at a new rate, beginning July 1, 2027. Every property, regardless of home size, would pay $683 more per year, about $57 more per month, than it pays under Measure E today. If approved, the measure would extend that funding rather than add a new tax; property owners would not pay both.

The City Council focused on two central objectives: maintaining adequate funding for the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department and continuing to reduce the City’s long-term pension liability. The Council carefully weighed the effects of various funding options and sought an approach that distributes the cost of police services as fairly as possible among property owners, regardless of lot size.

The proposed formula would place a greater share of the cost in a flat base amount that applies equally to every parcel, while retaining the existing 20¢-per-square-foot rate established under Measure E without an increase. The Council recognized that police protection, including the City’s average three-minute emergency response time, provides a community-wide benefit shared by all residents and businesses.

Under the Measure:

• Every property would pay $683 more per year than under Measure E (approximately $57 more per month).
• The measure would extend Measure E rather than add a new tax; property owners would not pay both.
• Same increase for every property: Because the 20¢-per-square-foot rate would remain unchanged, every property would see the same $683 annual increase, regardless of home size.
• Tax formula: Beginning July 1, 2027, the tax would be $1,025 per parcel plus 20¢ per square foot of building improvements.
• The measure is projected to generate approximately $8.7 million annually to support local Palos Verdes Estates police services.
• Pension liability: Of the $8.7 million, $1 million each year would be dedicated to reducing the City's unfunded pension liability.
• Duration: The measure would remain in effect for six years.
• Annual adjustment: 2% annually to account for inflation.
• Accountability: All revenue would be deposited into a separate, dedicated account and be subject to annual public reporting, independent financial audits, and oversight by the City's Finance Advisory Committee.
• Use restrictions: Funds could not be used to acquire real property or construct new City buildings or major facility expansion projects, including a new City Hall or public safety facility.

 “From the beginning, the Council’s focus was on maintaining our Police Department, and, just as importantly, on bringing the community together around a shared solution,” said Mayor Michael Kemps. “There is broad agreement that our Police Department must be adequately funded, and finding a fair approach that residents could understand and unite behind was essential. By retaining Measure E’s existing 20-cent-per-square-foot rate and placing the additional funding in an equal base parcel amount, every property contributes the same increase toward the police services our whole community relies on.”

 “Our mission is to make Palos Verdes Estates the safest city through exceptional public safety services while building trust with the community we serve,” said Chief of Police Luke Hellinga. “Residents rightly expect a Police Department that is responsive, professional, and ready when they need us. From emergency response times to proactive policing and neighborhood patrols, our officers are committed to delivering the high standard of service that helps make Palos Verdes Estates the safe community it is today.”

The measure will require approval by at least two-thirds of voters.

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