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Voters approve sales tax measures in San Jacinto, Lake Elsinore, keep existing tax increase in Menifee

RIVERSIDE (CNS) - Backers of two ballot measures increasing sales taxes in local cities celebrating victories today in their respective cities, and one measure aimed at repealing a sales tax increase has failed.

In Menifee, voters rejected Measure M. The proposal would have repealed Measure DD, which resulted in a 1% sales tax on all transactions within the city to support public safety.

DD was approved in 2016, and it led to the overall sales tax rate going from 7.75% to 8.75%. A group of residents initiated a petition drive to undo the tax increase, but supporters of the tax said eliminating it would mean a future loss of $11 million in revenue.

Supporters of M countered that the city is receiving state funding for public safety programs that will offset the loss.

In San Jacinto, voters approved Measure V, which will increase local sales taxes by 1% on all transactions.

According to supporters, the estimated $3.2 million in annual revenue generated from the imposition would go to public safety programs, water infrastructure improvements and road repairs. There was no listed opposition.

Lake Elsinore's Measure Z is analogous to V, seeking a 1% sales tax hike for public safety, as well as homeless relief programs and

infrastructure repairs. Voters were handily approving that measure.

It would net an estimated $10 million annually, according to the city.

A citizen oversight committee would be formed to monitor how funds are spent and make recommendations to the City Council on future expenditures.

All of the measures required only a simple majority vote for approval.

 

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