SAN DIEGO — San Diego city leaders are being asked to consider putting a sales tax hike on the ballot next year.
However, not everyone is onboard with the city enacting a sales tax hike.
“We’re barely getting by and the only good luck we’ve gotten is gas is going down a bit but every cent count now a days," said San Diego resident Jonah Ahumada.
The proposed ballot measure would go on next year’s November ballot, if the city council approves it.
“Right now, that’s uncertain about how much that would go up – anywhere from half cent to a full cent," said professor of economics at the University of San Diego, Alan Gin.
Gin says if voters approve the sales tax ballot measure, everyone will notice everyday products get more expensive.
“Anything that is subject to a sales tax then would be a little more expensive. The city says it needs that revenue though to engage in stuff like street repairs and other things in terms to improving the quality of life for the local community," added Gin.
The current sales tax in San Diego is 7.75%, which is lower than other cities like Oceanside, El Cajon, and Vista where the rate is 8.25%.
In Chula Vista, National City, Del Mar, Imperial Beach the rate is 8.75%.
“I think the city feels that there is a need to generate more revenue to improve some of the services that the city residents are using. In addition to street repair other proposed uses would be for public safety, more police and fire and also then in terms of spending – parks," continued Gin.
“We don’t really see it, we travel on Balboa, for how long… for over 10 years and we’re still dealing with the street. I don’t know where that money is going to," added Ahumada.
If the money is used for the general city expenses, the ballot measure would need a simple majority of voters. If it’s instead designated for a special purpose then it would require two-thirds of city voters.
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