Press Releases

If approved by voters, 100% of the funds from Lafayette’s Measure H, a proposed ½-cent increase in the local sales tax for seven years, will remain in the City to benefit Lafayette residents.

The City currently experiences an annual deficit of over $2 million.  If authorized by voters, Measure H is projected to generate approximately $2.4 million annually sufficient to maintain the current level of services provided to residents without cutting back or eliminating some programs.

All funds generated by the local sales tax will be locally controlled, 100% of the revenue will remain in Lafayette to provide important City services, and under state law, the state cannot take this funding away.

“One reason the City Council chose to place a sales tax measure on the ballot is because sales tax is paid by everyone who dines and shops in Lafayette, including visitors, so funds would be brought into the community from people who reside outside the community but who utilize our public infrastructure and services,” explained Tracy Robinson, Administrative Services Director.

Out of the current sales tax of 8.75%, the City receives only 1%.  Almost half of the total current sales tax goes to the State, 2.5% to the County, and 1.25% to transportation agencies. In contrast to neighboring cities (Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, and Concord), the City does not currently have an additional local transaction and use (sales) tax. If Measure H is approved, the sales tax rate in Lafayette will increase by ½ % from 8.75% to 9.25%, or half-penny, on every taxable dollar spent locally for a period of seven years.

All the revenue from Measure H would go directly into the City’s General Fund. The General Fund provides funding for City services and facilities, including:

• Maintaining public streets and storm drains and providing timely pothole repair.
• Funding wildfire preparedness activities.
• Maintaining the number of sworn police officers at the current level.
• Maintaining the current level of services for seniors.
• Cleaning and maintaining city parks, open spaces, paths, and playfields.
• Improving traffic safety on our streets and roads for all users.
• Continuing financial support for our community partners like the Chamber of Commerce.

If Measure H does not receive a simple majority vote, the Lafayette City Council will need to consider the possibility of reducing or discontinuing certain City programs and services as part of the budgeting process.

More information about Measure H is available on the City of Lafayette’s website at www.LoveLafayette.org/MeasureH. More information about the City’s financial situation is available on the City of Lafayette’s website at www.LoveLafayette.org/FiscalSustainability or email lafayettelistens@lovelafayette.org.