Weeks after Election Day, Measure U passes in Coachella

It’s been over two weeks since Election Day, and the race for Measure U in Coachella has finally come to an end.

Election results show that 50.8% of residents voted yes on the measure, so a 1% sales tax increase will be implemented in Coachella.

With 100% of the precincts totaled, 1,605 people voted yes, and 1,562 people voted no.

City Manager David Garcia said the tax hike is necessary because of higher costs for public services and safety. The money will help pay for police, firefighters, paramedics and more.

“The costs are going up, pension reform, contracts, so to provide the same level of services is going to cost us significantly more,” said Garcia.

If the measure failed, Garcia said the city of Coachella would have been forced to make cuts.

“We would have to reduce the number of paramedics, firefighters and police officers in order to reduce the cost of that service so we could afford it,” said Garcia.

The final election results are certified, however, the last day to request a recount is November, 26, 2014.

View all final election results