Measure Q is headed for the proverbial photo finish.

The latest count released Friday by the San Joaquin Registrar of Voters Office had the City of Manteca’s proposed temporary three-quarter cent  sales tax lead reduced to 124 voters.

There are some 6,000 ballots cast countywide that have yet to be verified and counted.

That is expected to occur on Monday.

The 20-year tax measure requires 50 percent plus one affirmative votes to secure passage.

The running tally as of Friday was 50.20 percent (15,698 votes) yes, and 49.80 percent (15,574) no.

The sales tax, it is passes, would go into effect on Jan. 1.

The tax hike, if approved, would take the Manteca sales tax rate from 8.25 percent to 9 percent.

That means for every $100 in taxable sales, consumers would be paying 75 additional cents in sales tax.

The sales tax also has a lifespan of 20 years. That means if it is approved it would sunset in 2045 unless voters approve an extension.

Manteca currently receives a 1 percent sales tax to support general fund municipal services such as police and fire protection as well as street upkeep among  other things.

California has a state-mandated minimum 7.25 percent sales tax.

The maximum cities, counties, and districts can increase sales tax to is 10.25 percent.

There are three cities in the greater region at the 10.25 percent mark — Livermore, Pleasanton, and Dublin. 

That means any state-imposed sales taxes in the future could not be imposed in those three cities as long as existing sales taxes are in place.

Within San Joaquin County if Manteca voters increase the tax rate to 9 percent, it would match Stockton as being the highest.

Lathrop is at 8.75 percent, Tracy is at 8.25 percent, and Ripon at 7.75 percent.

Modesto’s sales tax is 8.875 percent while Turlock is at 8.63 percent.

City leaders have stressed a local sales tax cannot be taken away from another entity.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com