HANFORD, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Officials with the City of Hanford are celebrating the passing of Measure H, which they assure will improve the city's "overall quality of life." The announcement came on Wednesday. According to officials, this is the first time in Hanford's history that voters have approved a district tax on the sale or use of merchandise to fund essential city services. According to officials, Measure H was approved by more than 60% of Hanford voters, surpassing the necessary majority required by the state law. The tax will be in addition to the existing 7.25% sales tax levied under state law, of which the city received an undivided 0.95%. The revenue coming from the 1% sales tax will be used to hire additional police officers and firefighters, build a new public safety building, maintain city parks and streets, address homelessness and much more. "I just want to assure the residents of Hanford, we as a Council and staff are committed tousing the additional revenue to improve the quality of life in our community,” Vice MayorMark Kairis said. “I’d like to thank all the Hanford residents and my colleagues for theirsupport and trust throughout this process.” Measure H is expected to generate more than $19 million annually. To learn more about Measure H, click here.