Oct 18, 2024
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- From North County to the South Bay, there are a number of local ballot measures related to sales tax that will be voted on this election cycle. Here's a breakdown of those measures. Information on the countywide Measure G, city of San Diego's Measure E, and Measure R in National City can be found in FOX 5/KUSI's Local Election Headquarters. MORE: Your Local Election Headquarters 2024 Measure I: Escondido sales tax What would Measure I do? If passed in November, Measure I would increase Escondido's sales tax by one cent, increasing it from 7.75% to 8.75%. This would remain in place for the next 20 years. Why is it placed on the ballot? According to the city, this would help provide funding for essential services in Escondido, such as addressing homelessness, public safety, maintaining parks and trails, reducing traffic congestion, increasing police paramedic services, as well as improving streets, sidewalks and infrastructure. Arguments for and against Some proponents of the Measure I, according to The San Diego Union Tribune, argue Escondido is facing a financial crisis that prevents the city from keeping pace with the growing cost of providing services. Those for its passing also say it will allow for continued emergency response capabilities, specifically making sure there is enough police, firefighters, dispatchers, and paramedics. Those against the move argue that residents are already facing financial hardship with the rising cost of living in California, sentiments echoed by other San Diego cities weighing similar sales tax measures. Measure J: Encinitas sales tax What would Measure J do? If passed in November, Measure J would increase Encinitas' sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75% -- a one-cent difference. This would remain in place for 10 years. Why is it placed on the ballot? As reported by FOX 5, the tax increase is projected to bring in an additional $15.4 million a year. City officials have said this could be used to improve infrastructure, including sewer lines, sidewalk improvements, reducing flooding issues, among other projects deemed "critical" by the city. Arguments for and against Back in May, some local residents expressed that "there are so many needs in the city" and "tightening their belts is not the answer." On the contrary, those against the hike voiced concerns over the already demanding cost of living and not knowing specifically what infrastructure projects the money would go toward. Additionally, Councilmember Bruce Ehlers voted against the proposal, stating, "We just went up in debt and now your asking us to give you more money, that doesn’t make sense.” What to know about the city of San Diego’s Measure E, a cent sales tax increase Measure L: La Mesa sales tax extension What would Measure L do? If passed in November, Measure L would extend a previous voter-approved, sales tax of three-fourths of a cent. It would renew this source of local funding, which contributes approximately $12 million annually. The tax is set to expire in 2029, but this proposal would extend it another two decades. Why is it placed on the ballot? According to the city, this would help continue providing funding for public services like recreational programs, senior services, public safety, as well as infrastructure such as the maintenance of streets, sidewalks and storm drains. Arguments for and against Those for the proposed extension, argue that the sales tax would maintain funding for these key public services. Specifically, a news release from the city manager’s office said losing the funding would lead to “significant reductions to public safety services and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, parks, storm drains and other infrastructure,” as reported by The San Diego Union Tribune. On the contrary, those against the extension are, again, considering the weight of their wallets. The cost of living has been pinching pennies, even in the case of an added three-fourths of a cent. What is California’s Proposition 5 on votes for bond measures? Measure P: Chula Vista sales tax extension What would Measure P do? If voter pass it in November, Measure P would extend a previous voter-approved, half-cent sales tax. It would renew this source of local funding for an additional 10 years at the current rate, without raising taxes. Why is it placed on the ballot? By maintaining the half-cent sales tax, the city is projected to generate $373 million over 10 years. The money would be used to fund high priority infrastructure needs such as fixing potholes, maintaining streets and parks, repairing stormwater pipes, addressing homeless encampments, among other things. Arguments for and against When originally introduced in 2016, Measure P was approved by voters with more than 68% of the vote, as reported by The San Diego Union Tribune. It has funded thousands of infrastructure projects since then. Those for Measure P want to see those projects continue over time. Those against the move argue that the city should come up with other ways to fund these projects, instead of taxing local residents who are trying to get by during a time when the cost of living is high. Measure Q: San Marcos sales tax What would Measure Q do? If passed in November, Measure Q would increase San Marcos' sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75% -- a one-cent difference. This would remain in place for 10 years. Why is it placed on the ballot? According to the city, it would generate an estimated $20 million annually. These funds would then be used support the city’s "high quality of life," including repairing and maintaining streets, maintaining parks, as well as ensuring rapid emergency response and public safety. Additionally, it would be used for upgrading infrastructure and keeping waterways clean. Arguments for and against According to The San Diego Union Tribune, all four San Marcos city council candidates are solidly behind Measure Q, citing it as a method to address the ongoing budget deficit in the city. They say this will prevent having to cut down on public services like street sweeping, tree trimming and other routine maintenance. The only arguments against are from those who do not want to pay more in taxes. What to know about San Diego County’s Measure G Measure S: Santee sales tax What would Measure S do? If approved by voters in November, Measure S would increase Santee's sales tax a half percent, making it 8.25%. This would remain in place for the next 15 years. Why is it placed on the ballot? According to the city, Measure S is estimated to generate about $5.5 million or more annually. It would be used to design and construct fire stations, as well as a fleet maintenance facility. The funds would also be used to hire firefighters and paramedics in the city. Arguments for and against Residents against Measure S say they can't afford another tax hike. Some also commented that the funds may be used for "wasteful spending with no oversight," while others said the tax increase should not be used to "bail out politicians." FOX 5/KUSI has reported that those in favor of the sales tax increase argue it is critical to fund new strategically located fire stations in Santee, which has not seen a new station open since 1964. The Santee Firefighters Association championed getting Measure S on the ballot. Measure T: Lemon Grove sales tax What would Measure T do? If voter approve it in November, Measure T would up Lemon Grove's sales tax by one cent, increasing it from 7.75% to 8.75%. This would remain in place for the next 10 years. Why is it placed on the ballot? According to the city, the sales tax would provide around $5.9 million annually that could be used for essential services and repairs. This includes things like fixing pot holes and maintaining streets, repairing aging infrastructure, maintaining local parks and community faculties, and improving bikes lanes, among other things. Arguments for and against Those in favor of Measure L back the notion of locally funding the essential services and repairs needed in the city. They also point out that "every local dollar" is "under local control," implying that citizen oversight will be considered. The city of Lemon Grove’s website states no arguments against it were submitted, as reported by The San Diego Union Tribune. What to know about National City’s Measure R Measure X: Oceanside sales tax What would Measure X do? If passed in November, Measure X would extend a previous voter-approved half-cent sales tax. This means the 8.25% sales tax would remain in place for the next 10 years, with a half-cent not being taken by the state. Why is it placed on the ballot? According to the city, Measure X revenue is used to enhance public safety, improve road conditions, bolster the city's infrastructure, provide no-cost youth programming with a mentoring component, and aid in addressing homelessness. Arguments for and against Those for the measure argue that since its original passing in 2019, the city has relied on it to complete needed road repairs, modernize infrastructure, improve public safety and help with Oceanside's homeless residents. On the contrary, those against the measure say it increases tax burdens on Oceanside citizens. According to The San Diego Union Tribune, a survey of 582 local residents -- conducted by the firm True North Research -- showed 67% to 73% said they would support an extension (with a margin of error at plus or minus 4.1%).
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