Local news- Press Release
City of Hermosa Beach California - HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL PLACES MEASURE FOR LOCALLY CONTROLLED CITY SERVICE FUNDING ON NOVEMBER BALLOT 27 February 2024 ( news )
City of Hermosa Beach , state California ( By Press Release office)
Feb 27,2024
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HERMOSA BEACH , CA– The Hermosa Beach City Council voted during its February 15 Special Council Meeting in favor of placing a locally controlled sales tax measure on the November ballot .
“Investments in public safety and infrastructure increase property values and quality of life , ” said Mayor Justin Massey . “About half of this sales tax would be paid by visitors , but 100% would stay in Hermosa to invest in your community . ”
The proposed tax measure will be placed on the November 5 , 2024 General Municipal Election ballot where it will require a simple majority of voters for approval .
If approved by voters , the measure would introduce a general transactions and use tax at the rate of three - quarter cent ( 3/4 ¢ ) that would be available to fund general City services that residents have prioritized in previous City surveys , such as preventing and deterring property crimes , supporting emergency response , recruiting and retaining police officers , protecting coastal waters and beaches , supporting safe schools and keeping parks and public spaces safe and clean .
“This proposed measure would make funds available to provide the Hermosa Beach Police Department with important resources to enable us to effectively protect the most vulnerable parts of our community , prevent crime and maintain public trust , ” said Hermosa Beach Police Chief Paul LeBaron .
The City’s sales tax consultant confirmed estimates provided during an earlier revenue study session that the proposed tax would provide $3 , 000 , 000 in additional annual General Fund revenue . By law , all funds raised by this measure must be used in the City of Hermosa Beach , ensuring local control and a consistent source of funding for essential City services .
“Post - pandemic , the City has maintained its contingency funds at 16 percent of operating expenses but has used one - time funds to bridge gaps in revenue , even with freezing positions and reducing expenditures , ” said City Manager Suja Lowenthal . “A reliable and locally dedicated revenue source would help ensure the continued delivery of high - quality city services . ”
Staff noted during the Special Meeting that 56 out of 88 cities in Los Angeles County currently have a sales tax , and in California 285 cities out of 489 ( 58% ) have sales taxes . Cities including Malibu and Torrance passed sales taxes in 2022 .
The City Clerk will accept arguments in favor and against the proposed measure by Thursday , August 1 , 2024 , at 12:00 p . m . Each argument is limited to 300 words and will be titled “Argument In Favor of Measure __” and “Argument Against Measure __” in the Official Sample Ballot Booklet submitted to voters . Residents can email
cityclerk@hermosabeach . govor submit a hard copy by the deadline .
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