Pursuits
California Cities Seek Record Tax Hikes as Boom Passes By
- Pension-fund bills, property-tax curbs weigh on finances
- Increases on ballot in 61 cities, as well as major counties
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California’s booming, yet many of its cities aren’t feeling it.
From Yreka, near the Oregon border, to El Centro, just north of Mexico, more than 80 are asking voters next month to approve sales-tax increases, the most on record. While some aim to boost spending on roads or other projects, most measures would just provide extra cash. In Ridgecrest, Fairfax, and Fountain Valley, officials say the revenue would eliminate budget deficits or prevent cuts to police and fire departments.