What Measure V is
Measure V is a renewal, not a new tax. If passed, the existing parcel tax would continue for nine years, from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2036. The version Hercules owners pay now is Measure T, which expires June 30, 2027. If Measure V passes, there's no gap in the charge.The tax has been around a long time. Voters first approved it in 2004 and renewed it in 2012 and 2016.Hercules is inside the West Contra Costa Unified School District, so every Hercules parcel with a building on it is subject to this tax unless the owner qualifies for an exemption.What it costs
The tax is based on building size, not home value. The rate is 7.2 cents per square foot of total building area.
- No built-in increase. It's a straight renewal at the same rate, with no annual escalator.
- It counts all buildings on the lot. The tax is based on the total building area on the parcel, so an ADU or other added structure raises the bill.
Who is exempt
Exemptions are available for owners who live in the home as their principal residence and are:- 65 or older
- Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for a disability, at any age
- Receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with income at or below 250% of the 2012 federal poverty guidelines
Will it pass?
Not guaranteed. It needs a two-thirds vote. In the district's own polling, support after voters heard the full ballot language started at 62.6 percent, short of the threshold. Keep in mind this is a district-wide vote. Hercules voters help decide it, but the result is counted across the whole district, not city by city.Both sides have real arguments. Supporters say the district projects deficits of $13.9 million in 2027-28 and $30.7 million in 2028-29. Opponents point to enrollment dropping from 28,518 to 24,423 since 2016-17 and argue the district should live within its budget. How you vote is your call. This article is about what it means for your transaction.What it means for a sale
Honest answer: for price, very little. A roughly $100 to $200 annual charge will not move a Hercules sale price, and it's already part of what owners pay today. Pass or fail, nothing changes until the 2027-28 tax year.Where it does matter is accuracy and surprises:The senior exemption does not transfer. If a seller is 65+ and exempt, the tax bill buyers see may not show this charge at all. A buyer who doesn't qualify will pay it starting the next tax year. Small dollars, but it's the kind of thing that erodes trust if it shows up after closing.Square footage on record may be wrong. The district uses County Assessor data and City of Hercules records for building size. Owners who want to correct it must submit data to the district by March 31 for the following tax year.Where to verify it in the transaction
- The current property tax bill. Parcel taxes appear in the direct assessments (fixed charges) section, separate from the 1% base tax. Ask the seller for the most recent bill early.
- The preliminary title report. Shows current taxes and any delinquencies. An unpaid parcel tax becomes a lien on the property, just like regular property taxes.
- The property tax disclosure report. Most natural hazard disclosure packages include a tax report listing special taxes and assessments on the parcel.
- Escrow's proration statement. Confirm current-year taxes, including direct assessments, are prorated correctly at closing.
Checklist before making or accepting an offer
Buyers- Pull the latest tax bill and find the WCCUSD parcel tax line.
- If the line is missing, ask whether the seller has an exemption. Budget for the charge if you won't qualify.
- Compare the county's square footage to the actual home, including ADUs and outbuildings.
- Total all direct assessments, not just this one, for your real carrying cost.
- If you qualify for an exemption, apply before July 1 after you close.
- Put your current tax bill in the disclosure package up front.
- If you're exempt, say so in writing so the buyer isn't surprised.
- Make sure added or unpermitted square footage is disclosed consistently with county records.
- Don't let a $150 line item become a negotiation point late in escrow. Clear documentation prevents that.