Hermosa Beach Voters To Decide On Half-Cent Sales Tax Increase

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — Voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve Measure HB, a half-cent sales tax increase projected to generate about $2 million annually for city services and infrastructure.

The measure would add 50 cents to every $100 in taxable purchases and will help the city's deficit budget maintain services for the public.

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Groceries and prescription medicine would be exempt, and the revenue would remain under local control, officials said.

The City Council placed the measure on the Nov. 3 ballot as Hermosa Beach faces ongoing budget pressures and rising costs for contracted services. This year, the city addressed a projected deficit through approximately $4.5 million in spending reductions, deferred expenses and operational changes. According to the city, those changes preserved priority services and infrastructure, but further cuts could affect services.

Revenue from Measure HB could support street paving, pothole repairs and maintenance of sidewalks, storm drains and other aging infrastructure. It could also fund fire protection, paramedic services, emergency response, police and crime prevention.

Other potential uses include maintaining parks, beaches, playgrounds, public facilities, landscaping and street trees, as well as supporting e-bike enforcement, traffic safety and homelessness response.

The city's website has more infomation on Measure HG.