Perris Certifies Measure B Election Results Increasing City’s Sales Tax

The Perris City Council held a special meeting Tuesday to certify the results of the city’s June 2 special election for Measure B and establish the 1% general use sales tax as approved by voters.

According to the final certified results posted by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, more than 60% of voters supported Measure B, a 1% local sales tax increase estimated to bring in $18 million annually.

“The target date is October 1, which is when this tax would come into effect,” Assistant City Manager Ernie Reyna said at the July 7 meeting. “In order for them to collect the money and then remit it back to us, there’s a series of protocols that we have to follow.”

Those protocols include executing an agreement with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration for the preparation, administration and operation of the tax. 

Increasing the city’s sales tax from 7.75% to 8.75%, puts the city in line with a majority of Riverside County cities, including Menifee, Moreno Valley and Riverside, where voters last month rejected a proposed 0.25% increase. The increase will also help the city balance its budget amid rising costs.

Back in February, Reyna said the increase was necessary due to decreasing revenues and increasing expenses in the city, specifically pointing to the rising costs of public safety, local infrastructure maintenance and insurance.

Any funds received will be subject to an annual independent audit as part of the city’s regular financial audit process and an independent oversight committee will be created to review the administration and implementation of the tax.

Food purchased as groceries, prescription medication, medical and dental services, real estate, rent and personal services will not be subject to the tax.