Two Kern County cities voted to raise or extend their local sales taxes Tuesday in exchange for the promise of better services.
In McFarland, voters approved Measure C, which will impose a 1% sales tax hike on goods sold within city limits. As of Thursday morning, the “yes” votes were leading with 58.65% (468).
McFarland’s sales tax will increase from 8.25% to 9.25%, raising an estimated $1 million each year until it is repealed by voters. The funds will be used for policing and emergency response, road improvements, park improvements, downtown revitalization, and services for seniors.
In Delano, voters approved a 1% sales tax extension. As of Thursday morning, Delano’s Measure B was ahead with 66.7% of the vote (2,023). By not allowing the tax to expire, Measure B will generate around $8.5 million in annual revenue for the city. The tax will be maintained until it is repealed by voters.
In the Los Angeles County city of Santa Fe Springs, voters also approved Measure L, which will impose a $0.25% sales tax increase to fund general services. The City Council estimates that Measure L will raise $4 million per year for general services. As of Thursday morning, the “yes” votes led with 61.62% (2,349).
Polling consistently shows that Californians are feeling strained by high prices and the rising cost of everyday goods. That makes these election results all the more noteworthy. Despite financial pressures, residents of McFarland, Delano, and Santa Fe Springs signaled strong commitment to maintaining and improving local services — and a willingness to pay higher prices to meet local needs.