Encinitas voters will consider sales tax increase in November
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Voters in Encinitas will decide in November whether to raise the city's sales tax by 1 cent to beef up city services.
Why it matters: City staff pursued a new revenue source to address an estimated infrastructure backlog of $257 million, according to a task force's recent report in support of the measure.
Driving the news: The measure will need to win support from 50% plus one of voters— since the new revenue will go to the city's general fund, and not a dedicated purpose — after the city council voted 4-1 in May to put it on the ballot.
Between the lines: Initial polling, conducted by True North Research and paid for by the city, indicated 61% of the 1,242 likely voters surveyed would probably support the tax increase.
- Encinitas staffers estimate the 1 cent tax increase would generate about $15.4 million each year for the city, which has an annual budget of roughly $120 million.
- In a typical year, the city has $5-$8 million for the city's infrastructure needs, $4 million of which goes to roads.
What they're saying: Bill Sparks, the lead proponent of Protect Our Legacy Encinitas, a committee created to support the measure, said passing the tax will protect the city's quality of life.
- "You'll see significant improvements in our streets, sidewalks and bridges; cleaner and better-maintained parks and beaches;" and increased funding for police, fire and lifeguards, he said.
The other side: Councilman Bruce Ehlers, the lone council vote against putting the measure on the ballot, said residents were about to be hit by a "tidal wave" of cost increases, including water and sewer rates.
- He also pointed to the countywide sales tax increase for regional transportation projects that will share the ballot with Encinitas' proposal.
By the numbers: Encinitas currently has a 7.75% sales tax rate — tied with half of the cities in the county for the lowest rate.
- Of that, 6% goes to the state, 0.25% goes to the county, 0.5% goes to the San Diego Association of Governments for transportation projects, and 1% goes to the city.
Zoom out: San Marcos, Oceanside, Santee, Lemon Grove, El Cajon, La Mesa and San Diego have considered or are still considering 2024 ballot measures to increase their sales taxes or extend an existing tax.