Latest news with #Measure1
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After voter approval last fall, Escondido's sales tax increase now in effect
(Above: Report by Zara Barker on Nov. 13, 2024 on the three cities that passed sales tax increases) ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — People can expect to pay slightly more for goods sold in Escondido as the city's increased sales tax officially took effect April 1. Voters in the city of Escondido approved the sales tax increase, known as Measure 1, back in November. The measure imposes a one-cent increase, raising the sales tax rate from 7.75% to 8.75%. The one-cent sales tax increase will be tacked on every dollar spent in Escondido for the next 20 years. The city estimates this will generate $28 million dollars in funds each year. Voting centers open for county's District 1 supervisor special election The funds are intended to go toward public safety, addressing homelessness, reducing traffic congestion and maintaining public parks, trails and open spaces. Additionally, the money will be used for improving streets, sidewalks and city infrastructure, as well as increasing police, fire and paramedic services, according to the city. Previously, the city said nearly all of the money generated from Escondido's local sales tax went directly to the State of California, the county of San Diego or the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). However, the funding generated from the recent tax increase will go directly to the city of Escondido, officials say. San Marcos and Lemon Grove also approved their cities' sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75% in November. In total, the three cities are expected to bring in an additional estimated $54 million a year. However, other city and county tax increases, including San Diego's Measure G, were not passed by voters in November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Burien battles over minimum wage
A battle in Burien – over minimum wage. The city just filed a lawsuit claiming that a ballot measure, approved less than three weeks ago by voters, is unconstitutional. At the start of the year, the city's new minimum wage law kicked in at $21.16 an hour for businesses with more than 20 employees. Measure 1, passed earlier this month, would put Burien's minimum wage at $21.10 an hour, regardless of business size, to match with the City of Tukwila. The city referred KIRO 7 to a statement on the city's website, reading in part, 'Understanding that Burien residents, employees, and employers require absolute clarity on Burien's minimum wage law, Burien has asked the superior court to provide guidance. Burien will continue to inform its community about these proceedings.' Katie Wilson with the Transit Riders Union, a group that helped lead the charge for Measure 1, says the lawsuit does not have any merit. 'The city has been trying to mess with the citizen's initiative, really, since the beginning, so we're not surprised that this lawsuit is here but we're confident that we'll prevail,' said Wilson. David Meinert owns Huckleberry Square, a family restaurant with 42 employees. 'I'm all for raising the minimum wage, but most democratic cities in the country that have a high minimum wage also have a tip credit, and Initiative 1 did away with Burien's tip credit – actually lowered the minimum wage for a lot of people and then did away with the tip credit,' said Meinert. He says Measure 1 will force businesses to make unwanted changes. 'We're already planning on raising prices substantially and cutting staff, for sure,' said Meinert. The initiative is set to take effect at the end of March.
