The city is asking voters to approve increasing the local sales tax that generates revenue for La Habra from a half-cent to a cent.
Measure V on the November ballot would make the local sales tax permanent until voters choose to remove it; currently, the half-cent approved in 2008 sunsets in 2028.
About $7.8 million is generated each year for the city by the half-cent tax; about $15.6 million would be expected annually if Measure V is approved.
City leaders say the cost of public safety services is rising — the city has its own police force and contracts with the Los Angeles County Fire Department — and the funding would also help with street repairs, park maintenance and other city services.
“In 2023 LA County Fire doubled the cost of providing fire protection and emergency medical response services to La Habra, resulting in the closure of one of our four neighborhood fire stations,” the ballot argument in support of the tax increase says. “Unless we act, vital local city services, including police, fire and 911 services, street repairs, and park maintenance will be cut, reshaping the city and reducing our safety and quality of life.”
Signing onto the ballot argument in support are Noah Daniels, president of the La Habra Police Association; former Mayor Juan M. Garcia; Danny Hanson, a small business owner; Xavier Campos, a retired fire captain; and Dawn Stille, a former member of the Ad Hoc Fiscal Review Committee.
Former Councilmember Tim Shaw penned the opposing argument for the ballot, saying the council could have shopped around for fire services by at least getting a bid from the Orange County Fire Authority.
“Do not be fooled by their message about public safety: there is no guarantee a tax increase will fund public safety,” the ballot argument says. “Measure V is a general fund tax increase, so the money can be used for anything the City Council wants.”
The base sales tax in Orange County is 7.75%, with a half-cent that goes toward transportation needs. Purchases in La Habra currently pay 8.25% and that would increase to 8.75%.
A simple majority of votes in favor would pass Measure G.
