Encinitas sales tax campaign ramps up

Supporters, opposition cite pros, cons of the city's proposed 1% sales tax increase as it heads to the November ballot.

Encinitas voters will decide the fate of a proposed 1% sales tax increase in November. Steve Puterski image

ENCINITAS — Outside the City Council races, residents have a decision regarding increasing the city’s sales tax in November.

According to city records, the City Council approved placing a one-cent increase on the ballot, which would push the tax rate from 7.75% to 8.75%. Also, the city estimates between $15 million to $17 million per year in revenue to help with infrastructure, stormwater repairs and funding other projects and services.

Since it’s a general tax increase, a simple majority (50% plus on vote) is needed for the measure to pass.

Longtime resident Bill Sparks is helping to spearhead the “Yes” campaign, through a coordinated online and mailing effort to encourage other residents to vote in favor. Another longtime resident, Garvin Walsh, and others oppose the measure.

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch and you get what you pay for,” Sparks said. “I want to maintain the quality of life that attracted us to Encinitas and that I believe Encinitas offers to those of us that live here. I think this gives the city an ongoing revenue stream that won’t be dictated, in terms of how it’s spent, by the state or the feds, but that will be determined by the community members themselves.”

The measure also includes a resident oversight committee, independent audits and public disclosures, according to the city. The recommendation for the tax came from a City Council-appointed Infrastructure Task Force to review infrastructure needs, Mayor Tony Kranz said.