SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Oceanside city council members voted to approve putting a half-cent sales tax increase measure before voters in this November's election.
If approved, the City's rate would increase from 7.75 percent to 8.25 percent, which is estimated to generate about $11.2 million per year.
It would remain in effect for seven years.
The City says it's revenue simply hasn't kept up with growth and the tax would offset that, helping to pay for things like public safety services and infrastructure improvements.
Opponents argue the City's increased expenses are mainly due to pensions and employee raises and say officials should find a way to live within current means.
If approved in November the sales tax increase would go into effect April 1, 2019.
