No on Hemet Measure Q

San Gabriel taxpayers are already paying one of California’s highest sales-tax rates. Beginning October 1, the combined rate increases to 11%. Measure SG would authorize another full 1% sales tax placing an even greater burden on local families, seniors and businesses.

This is not a temporary emergency measure. Measure SG has no expiration date. It would continue indefinitely unless voters organize another election to repeal it.

The measure’s ballot language mentions police, fire, streets and emergency services, but Measure SG is a general tax. The money would enter the city’s general fund and could legally be used for other governmental purposes. Audits merely report where money went; they do not guarantee that it will be spent on the services emphasized to voters.

Sales taxes fall hardest on working families and people living on fixed incomes because they pay the same tax rate as everyone else when purchasing everyday taxable necessities. A higher rate can also encourage customers to shop in nearby cities or online, placing San Gabriel businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

Before demanding another permanent tax, City Hall should identify spending reductions, control employee and administrative costs, use existing revenue responsibly and present taxpayers with a detailed financial plan.

San Gabriel residents deserve essential public services, honest budgeting and meaningful accountability not another permanent general tax.

Vote NO on Measure L.

California for Cheaper Gas PAC opposes Hemet Measure Q because I believe taxpayers should not be asked for another permanent tax increase before the City has done everything reasonably possible to control its own spending.

Measure Q would raise Hemet’s sales-tax rate from 8.75% to 9.75%, adding another penny to every taxable dollar spent. It would also increase the sales tax paid on gasoline purchases. The City estimates the new tax would generate approximately $16 million every year.

Hemet residents are already paying an existing 1% local sales tax through Measure U. Now the City is asking taxpayers to approve another 1% tax, and Measure Q has no automatic expiration date.

Another concern is that Measure Q is a general tax. Although supporters emphasize police, fire, roads, homelessness and other essential services, the revenue would go into the City’s General Fund and could legally be spent on any lawful municipal purpose.

Hemet clearly has legitimate financial and infrastructure challenges. But the City’s own budget also shows substantial increases in personnel, insurance and operating costs. Before reaching deeper into taxpayers’ pockets, I believe government has an obligation to examine spending, efficiencies and accountability first.

For me, this comes down to a basic principle: taxpayers should not automatically be the first place government turns when its expenses exceed its revenues. Hemet should demonstrate that it has fully addressed its spending problems before imposing another permanent tax on working families, seniors and local businesses.

That is why we believe Measure Q is the wrong approach for Hemet.

Needles residents deserve safe streets, repaired potholes and well-maintained parks but Measure L is an expensive and open-ended way to pay for them.

Measure L authorizes $11.2 million in new government debt, yet taxpayers are estimated to repay approximately $25.16 million in principal and interest more than twice the amount borrowed. Property owners would pay approximately $60 annually for every $100,000 of assessed value, potentially for more than three decades. The official tax statement also acknowledges that the projected tax rate and repayment period are estimates not binding limits.

The measure does not provide voters with a firm, itemized project list or guarantee how much money will be spent on streets, parks, sidewalks or downtown improvements. Instead, the City Council retains broad authority to select projects, establish priorities and issue the bonds in one or more series. The measure specifically states that listing a project does not guarantee it will be completed, completed as described, or undertaken in any particular order.

Bond proceeds may also pay for consultants, architects, engineering, planning, construction management, permitting, accounting and bond-issuance expenses—reducing the amount available for actual improvements.

Before asking property owners to assume decades of additional taxes, the City should present a detailed project schedule, firm cost estimates and a clear accounting of existing revenues and available grants.

Necessary infrastructure improvements should be properly prioritized and funded responsibly. Measure L gives the City too much financial flexibility while placing approximately $25 million in projected repayment obligations on Needles taxpayers.

Vote NO on Measure L.

Vote No on Measure SG