COUNTY CONSIDERING ANOTHER SALES TAX MEASURE

The County Board of Supervisors is considering a ½ cent sales tax to support public healthcare services. The measure, known as the “Healthcare Funding Restoration Act,” is sponsored by St. John Healthcare, which receives substantial funding through County Health programs. The measure would be placed on the June primary ballot and would be a general tax, requiring a simple majority to pass. Given that most cities (including Arcadia) are already at or near the local sales tax limit, this measure would also require relief from the statute to fully realize the intended local tax capacity. Two members of the Legislature are already pushing a bill to provide that relief.

While the City Manager made it clear that he was presenting his opinion only, he informed the Supervisor’s Office that Arcadians would likely have difficulty supporting this measure, especially if it results in another exemption to the local tax limits and because the tax would not likely directly benefit many Arcadians. The County will discuss this at its meeting on February 10.