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Palm Springs, California, Sales Tax, Measure D (November 2017)
| Measure D: Palm Springs Sales Tax |
|---|
|
| The basics |
| Election date: |
| November 7, 2017 |
| Status: |
 Approved
|
| Topic: |
| Local sales tax Expires in: Never |
| Related articles |
| Local sales tax on the ballot November 7, 2017 ballot measures in California Riverside County, California ballot measures City tax on the ballot |
| See also |
| Palm Springs, California |
A sales tax measure was on the ballot for Palm Springs voters in Riverside County, California, on November 7, 2017. It was approved.
| A yes vote was a vote in favor of authorizing the city to levy an additional sales tax of 0.5 percent (half-cent), with revenue going into the general fund. |
| A no vote was a vote against authorizing the city to levy an additional sales tax of 0.5 percent (half-cent), with revenue going into the general fund. |
Measure D proposed to raise the total sales tax rate in Palm Springs from 8.75 percent to 9.25 percent. The state-mandated tax rate that applied throughout California as of 2017 is 7.25 percent, with revenue allocated to various purposes. As of October 2017, the Riverside County sales tax was 0.5 percent, and the Palm Springs city sales tax was an additional 1 percent. The average sales tax rate in the county was 7.75 percent.[1][2]
City officials estimated that the sales tax would generate $7 million a year.[3]
Election results
| Measure D | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 6,849 | 56.43% | ||
| No | 5,289 | 43.57% | ||
- Election results from Riverside County
Text of measure
Ballot question
The ballot question was as follows:[4]
| “ |
To maintain essential city services, including rapid 911 emergency response, fire/police protection, add paramedic services, keep fire stations open/staffed, address homelessness, repair local streets/pothales, improve rapid response to assault, burglaries/crimes, keep public areas safe/clean, maintain senior services, attract/retain jobs/business, increase water conservation; shall the City of Palm Springs establish a 1/2 cent sales tax; requiring annual independent audits/public oversight; all funds used locally?[5] |
” |
Impartial analysis
The following impartial analysis of the measure was prepared by the office of the Palm Springs City Attorney:
| “ |
The measure would adopt a new half-cent transactions and use tax in the city of Palm Springs. This kind of tax is often called a "sales" tax. The money from this tax would go in the City's general fund, and could be used for City purposes such as: fire and police protection, paramedic service, community programs (such as addressing homelessness, and providing senior and youth services), street, park and public facility cleaning, repair and maintenance, police and fire equipment, and other unfunded public needs. The tax would be in addition to existing sales taxes. It would be collected at the same time and in much the same way as existing sales taxes. It would only apply to purchases of things subject to existing sales taxes. For example, purchases of prescription drugs and most food would not be taxed. The City Council unanimously approved the proposed tax and the resolution placing this measure on the ballot, but California law requires that a simple majority of the City's voters, i.e., more than 50%, must also approve the tax before it can take effect. The local share of "sales" tax revenue cannot exceed two cents on the dollar. This tax complies with that cap, and absent a change of state law, neither Riverside County nor the City of Palm Springs can raise the "sales" tax payable in the City any more. The revenue that this tax would generate would belong to and be used by the City, not the federal, state or county government. The tax will be subject to an annual review, through a public and independent audit. A certified public accounting firm with expertise in California municipal finance will perform the audit, including an analysis of the City's tax receipts, and how all"sales" tax revenue is spent. The Council must post the report of this audit on the City's website, and discuss its results at a public meeting. [5] |
” |
| —Palm Springs City Attorney[6] | ||
Full text
The full text of the measure is available here.
Support
Supporters
The following individuals signed the official argument in favor of the measure:[7]
- Joe Cook, president, Palm Springs Police Officers' Association
- Jeff Kelsheimer, president, Palm Springs Firefighters Association
- Nona Watson, chief executive officer, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
- Mark Marshall, president, Mizell Senior Center executive board
- Aftab Dada, president, Palm Springs Hospitality/Restaurant Association
Arguments in favor
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in favor of the measure:[7]
| “ |
Vote YES on Measure D to maintain and improve public safety services and the quality of life in Palm Springs. We love living in our beautiful. inclusive world-class city. Unfortunately, the State has taken $30 million from our city over the last five years, and federal funding is uncertain, leaving us without critical financial resources to maintain the level of public safety and essential services we expect and deserve. Measure D provides our city with a dedicated local funding source that by law cannot be taken away by the state, county or federal government-- requiring public oversight and independent audits to ensure full transparency in the use of Measure D funds. Measure D ensures that out-of-towners- estimated to contribute as much as 2/3rds of our sales tax dollars- pay their fair share for police, fire, paramedic, and other essential city services from which they benefit Measure D allows the city police and fire department to dedicate officers and firefighters to: - Put more officers on the street, keep fire stations open and fully staffed, add paramedic services, improve law enforcement and 911 response times- critical to stopping crime and saving lives. - Ensure our first responders have life-saving equipment they need to provide residents advanced life-support in medical emergencies. - Help keep gangs and drug dealers out of our city. Measure D helps address homelessness, increasing access to mental health, substance abuse treatment and job training services, assisting people transitioning off the street, and ensuring our business districts, parks and other public spaces are secure for everyone. Measure D protects property values, keeping our city a safe, clean and attractive place to live, and in which new businesses will invest. Join police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, senior citizens, education and local business leaders in voting YES on Measure D. [5] |
” |
Opposition
Opponents
The following individuals signed the official argument against the measure:[8]
- Robert Julian Stone, author and journalist
- Barbara Beaty, business owner
- Timothy Erkins, entrepeneur
- Bond Shands
Arguments against
Official argument
The following official argument was submitted in opposition to the measure:[8]
| “ |
Some people believe continuing to do the same thing while expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. In 2011 , the City asked voters to approve a 1 % general sales tax increase which they promised to use to improve police and fire protection and maintain City services. After approval, they shoveled over $50 million in cash, and as much as $100 million more In tax rebates, into the pocket of a downtown developer. The City continues to do business with this developer despite his indictment on felony bribery charges. Measure J generated over $63 million in new revenue since its passage, yet the city still cannot control spending without sticking the taxpayers with another bill. During the same period, transient occupancy tax revenue rose from $15.5 million a year to $34 million a year. But the City still can't manage its money, and now wants even more. Do NOT be intimidated by the fear-mongering tactics of City Hall. Measure D rewards incompetence by punishing taxpayers for the City's own poor planning and bad decision-making. Measure D contains NO requirement whatsoever that the City spend ANY of the proposed half-percent sales tax increase on police and fire protection or essential City services. History suggests more giveaways to developers are likely. Measure D does nothing to prevent crime. Measure D does nothing to deliver homeless solutions. Measure D does nothing to rein-in growing City pension spending. Measure D will harm small businesses. Say NO to bad city contracting practices and crony capitalism. Say NO to out-of-control spending. Say NO the bully pulpit of City Hall. Say NO to Measure D.[5] |
” |
Path to the ballot
This measure was put on the ballot through a vote of the governing officials of Palm Springs, California.
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Palm Springs Local sales tax Measure D. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Sale-Tax.com, "Palm Springs, CA Sales Tax Rate," accessed October 23, 2017
- ↑ Inside Gov, "Palm Springs, Riverside County Sales Tax Rate," accessed October 23, 2017
- ↑ KESQ, "Palm Springs residents split on tax measure to fund first responders," October 12, 2017
- ↑ Palm Springs City Elections Office, "Submission of arguments/rebuttal arguments information," accessed September 22, 2017
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Palm Springs City Elections Office, "Impartial Analysis of Measure D," accessed September 22, 2017
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Palm Springs City Elections Office, "Ballot Argument in favor of Measure D," accessed September 22, 2017
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Palm Springs City Elections Office, "Ballot Argument against Measure D," accessed September 22, 2017
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