This is an archive of a past election.
See http://www.smartvoter.org/ca/la/ for current information.
LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund If you appreciate our service to voters, please consider helping us with a donation.
Smart Voter
Los Angeles County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
Measure AA
Sales Tax Increase to Fund Essential Services
City of Commerce

Ordinance - Majority Approval Required

Pass: 2,475 / 67.64% Yes votes ...... 1,184 / 32.36% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Dec 2 2:20pm, 100.00% of Precincts Reporting (8/8)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

Measure AA. Shall the ordinance imposing a one half of one percent (½%) transactions and use (sales) tax to offset severe state budget cuts and provide funding for such things as police and fire service, repair, maintenance and improvement of streets, sidewalks, public facilities, parks, libraries and other city services, with all revenues staying in the city and spending reviewed by a citizens' advisory panel and independently audited, be approved?

Impartial Analysis from EDUARDO OLIVO, City Attorney
Measure AA proposes to raise revenue to offset severe state budget cuts and provide funding for such things as police and fire services, repair, maintenance and improvement of streets, sidewalks, public facilities, parks, libraries and other services in the City of Commerce. This list is illustrative and non-exclusive, because this Measure is classified as a "general tax," not a "special tax," and may be used for any valid municipal purpose. The revenue would be raised by approving an ordinance enacting a one-half of one percent (1/2%) transactions and use (i.e. "sales tax") tax within the City. This tax on retail sales is paid by non-residents as well as residents. If adopted, it will not go into effect until April 1, 2013.

California Revenue and Taxation Code §7285.9 authorizes the City to levy or increase a transactions and use (sales tax) tax for general purposes, if the ordinance proposing the tax is approved by simple majority of the qualified voters voting in the election. If approved, the tax would add a half-cent to the price of an item that costs a dollar. Currently, the tax on retail sales that take place in the City is 8.75% of the purchase price. The City of Commerce receives only 1%. The remainder goes to the State (6.25%) and County of Los Angeles (1.50%). The Measure would authorize a local 1/2% transaction and use tax, increasing the total sales tax rate to 9.25%. This tax revenue generated as a result of the Measure would be deposited in the City's general fund and would stay in the City to support the full range of municipal services.

The proposed ordinance requires an annual audit by an independent auditor. An oversight committee made up of City residents and business representatives will also monitor and report on the expenditure of the tax revenues and make recommendations to the City COlincil for use of the these revenues. The committee's report and recommendations shall be a matter of public record and considered by the City Council at a public meeting.

Technically, the existing "sales tax" is a combination of "sales and use tax" and "transactions and use tax." Retailers collect both taxes at the time of sale and remit the funds to the State Board of Equalization, which administers the taxes. Both are levied on the retail sale or use of personal property, with certain exceptions. A sales tax is allocated to the jurisdiction where the sale is negotiated or the order for the sale is taken, but a transactions and use tax is allocated to the City where the goods are delivered or placed into use. Merchandise purchased in a "walk-in" retail store is assumed by the state to be used within the City in which the store is located, unless the retailer is asked to ship the merchandise outside the City as part of the sale or it is a motor vehicle that can be driven away.

This Measure will be approved if it receives a simple majority of "Yes" votes.

 
This election is archived. Any links to sources outside of Smart Voter may no longer be active. No further links will be added to this page.
Links to sources outside of Smart Voter are provided for information only and do not imply endorsement.

Arguments For Measure AA
Vote yes on Measure AA to protect our community from devastating State cuts that will impact the City of Commerce's quality of life for years to come.

Our City is in the midst of a financial crisis that, if not addressed immediately, will impact virtually every resident and business. The establishment of a V2% sales tax in the City of Commerce is the most responsible and appropriate way to address this crisis in the short-term and long-term.

City leaders have been proactive in controlling costs by implementing strict spending controls and by, reluctantly, eliminating employee positions, reducing services and resident programs. We were forced to delay badly needed street and sidewalk repairs and improvement projects. We responded properly to the bad economic times that we have all been facing. But, just as things seemed like they would get better for our City, the State and the Governor eliminated redevelopment programs, which will likely take at least $50 Million in local funds from the City, so that the State could use these funds to solve their own financial problems. We had planned to use these funds for important development projects and various programs for our senior citizens and our entire community.

Measure AA will help replace what the State has taken away and prevent extreme reductions in essential City services and programs by providing a stable source of local funding. 100% of Measure AA funds will stay in Commerce and cannot be taken away by Sacramento politicians. The money must legally be used in Commerce to protect our safety and quality of life.

Measure AA requires accountability. A citizens' oversight committee, mandatory audits and yearly reports to the community will ensure the funds are spent properly.

We ask you to please vote YES on Measure AA.

LILIA R. LEON
Mayor

JOE AGUILAR
Councilmember

DENISE M. ROBLES
Councilmember

IVAN ALTAMIRANO
Councilmember

(No arguments against Measure AA were submitted)


Los Angeles Home Page || Statewide Links || About Smart Voter || Feedback
Created: December 17, 2012 13:44 PST
Smart Voter <http://www.smartvoter.org/>
Copyright © League of Women Voters of California Education Fund   http://cavotes.org
The League of Women Voters neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office or political parties.