OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KGTV) - A sales tax increase approved by voters in November took effect Monday in the City of Oceanside.
The city put Measure X on the ballot last fall to raise the tax rate from 7.75 to 8.25 percent. Voters passed the measure, 55 percent to 44 percent.
The estimated revenues are expected to bring in $11 million annually, according to city officials.
New tax revenues, minus a state administrative fee, will go to the city. The half-cent sales tax was designed to provide money for first responders, pothole maintenance, graffiti clean-up, and public infrastructure projects.
The tentative spending plan for the revenues includes an additional Homeless Outreach team, Crime Suppression team, road repairs, and a new police station at the beach.
"We are grateful to the Citizens of Oceanside for approving Measure X and are working to ensure that they receive tangible enhanced public safety services and infrastructure improvements," said Assistant City Manager Deanna Lorson in a statement to 10News.
Measure X is set to expire in seven years. Any extension would require another vote, according to the city’s website.
