Hayward Measure K1 sales tax extension passing in partial election returns

An extension of the City of Hayward's half-cent sales for an additional 20 years beyond its 2034 sunset date appeared headed for approval on Wednesday based on partial election returns reported by the Alameda County Registrar of Voters.

Hayward Measure K1 was passing with 83 percent support, according to partial results from 100 percent of Hayward voter precincts. According to the Registrar of Voters, ballots of approximately 41 percent of registered voters in Alameda County had been tabulated thus far.

First authorized by voters in June 2014, the Hayward half-cent sales tax generates more than $20 million a year to fund City services and pay for facility, road and infrastructure improvements.

During the first 10 years, City sales tax revenue has been used to enhance police, 9-1-1 dispatch and maintenance services staffing and to contribute to the single largest pavement preventative maintenance and resurfacing project in Hayward history.

Sales tax dollars also funded construction of the new downtown branch of Hayward Public Library, seismic retrofits and other improvements at five neighborhood fire stations and construction of a new Fire Station No. 6 and Regional Fire Training Center on the grounds of Hayward Executive Airport on the City's west side.