This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Santa Monica Likely to Vote on Increasing Sales Tax to 10.25%
City Seal
The Santa Monica City Council on Tuesday moved forward with a plan to ask residents to increase the sales tax by a half penny on the November balot. Currently at 9.75%, if a majority of voters approve the measure, the sales tax would be hiked to 10.25%. Why a marjority vote and not a two-thirds vote? "As a 'general tax' that would raise revenue to be allocated at the council's discretion, the measure would require a simple majority vote to pass, rather than the two-thirds super majority needed to approve special taxes that direct revenue to specific uses," explained the Santa Monica Daily Press. The tax could raise $13-million for the cash-strapped city. Final approval for the ballot measure will take place at a July 13th meeting.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
