Proposed County Sales Tax Increase Falls Short Of 4 Votes 2/12/25

The proposed June 2026 ballot measure for a 1% sales tax increase in County unincorporated areas fell short of the four-vote majority needed for passage at the February 3rd Board of Supervisors meeting. The measure was estimated to generate $16.7 million a year and was created amid a projected $23 million County budget deficit for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The proposal received three votes in support from Supervisors Roy Lee, Laura Capps, and Joan Hartmann, and was opposed by North County Supervisors Bob Nelson and Steve Lavagnino. While the tax increase aimed to boost tax revenue and assist cuts in social-safety-net programs, Supervisors had concerns about fairness, voter trust, and the financial burden it would place on low-income constituents and small businesses.