(Above: Report by Zara Barker on Nov. 13, 2024 on the three cities that passed sales tax increases) ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- People can expect to pay slightly more for goods sold in Escondido as the city's increased sales tax officially took effect April 1. Voters in the city of Escon dido approved the sales tax increase, known as Measure 1, back in November. The measure imposes a one-cent increase, raising the sales tax rate from 7.75% to 8.75%. The one-cent sales tax increase will be tacked on every dollar spent in Escondido for the next 20 years. The city estimates this will generate $28 million dollars in funds each year. Voting centers open for county’s District 1 supervisor special election The funds are intended to go toward public safety, addressing homelessness, reducing traffic congestion and maintaining public parks, trails and open spaces. Additionally, the money will be used for improving streets, sidewalks and city infrastructure, as well as increasing police, fire and paramedic services, according to the city. Previously, the city said nearly all of the money generated from Escondido's local sales tax went directly to the State of California, the county of San Diego or the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). However, the funding generated from the recent tax increase will go directly to the city of Escondido, officials say. San Marcos and Lemon Grove also approved their cities' sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75% in November. In total, the three cities are expected to bring in an additional estimated $54 million a year. However, other city and county tax increases, including San Diego's Measure G, were not passed by voters in November. ...read more read less