Benicia Voters Back Business Tax, Reject Charter Measure: Report

BENICIA, CA — Unofficial election results show Benicia voters backing changes to the city's business license tax while rejecting a charter measure needed to raise property transfer taxes, according to Local News Matters.

Measure X received about 63% support, while Measure Y drew approximately 45% in results updated Tuesday.

Under Measure X, the city would replace its existing business license tax structure with rates based on business categories and annual gross receipts. Businesses earning $100,000 or less annually would be exempt.

Larger businesses could face higher taxes, while smaller operations could pay less or nothing. City officials estimate the changes could generate about $1.61 million for the general fund in 2027.

Measure Z, a proposed property transfer tax increase, received about 51% support but cannot take effect without Measure Y, which would establish a limited city charter authorizing the tax.

The proposed transfer tax would range from 0.4% to 0.8%, depending on a property's sale price, with exemptions for qualifying existing homes. Officials estimated it could generate about $230,000 annually.

City Manager Mario Giuliani said the election results offered insight into residents' priorities as Benicia addresses financial challenges, Local News Matters reported.

Solano County election officials expect to release another results update Thursday, Nov. 12. Final results have not been certified.

Read the original report from Local News Matters.