Desert Hot Springs sends new tax measure to the ballot

Voters in Desert Hot Springs will decide on approving a new one-cent sales tax measure in November's election. The Desert Hot Springs City Council unanimously adopted a resolution last Tuesday to add the tax hike to the ballot.

The city estimates the new tax will generate $2,400,000 annually. The funds will go towards public safety, disaster preparation, pothole repair, and more. The money the city spends must be disclosed to the public.

Some Desert Hot Springs residents, like Andrew Parra, thinks it's a fair price to pay to better the community.

"At the end of the day, it’s going for the children, it goes for the school, it goes for the community. And that’s what really counts as we as [people] - we [have] to advance," Parra explains.

But others, like Brad Anderson, a Rancho Mirage resident who spoke during the council meeting, has an opposing point of view. Anderson says, "I don't shop in Palm Springs. That's because the sales tax is so high."

Speaking to the councilmembers, he continued, "And you will be putting yourself – this city – in that category."

Mayor Scott Matas, though, thinks the measure is a good thing for the city. "I think our City Manager, looking into the future – he has to start preparing for the next two-year budget cycle ... putting $2,400,000 is really going to make an impact on our community."

The mayor reasons, "For every $100 that someone spends, they'll spend a dollar. So are they willing to spend another dollar to put more services in the community?"

The measure must be filed by August 9th to make it on November's ballot. The last day for the city to withdraw the measure is August 14th.

The city also authorized up to $68,500 to extend its contract with Lew Edwards Group for consulting work related to the election.

More information is available on the agenda from last week's meeting.