PRESS RELEASE

CITY OF BENICIA

Benicia City Hall

250 East L Street

Benicia, California 94510

 

Benicia, CA (July 20, 2022) – On Tuesday, July 19, the Benicia City Council voted to place “Measure R: Benicia Local Road Repair and Infrastructure Measure” on the November 8, 2022 ballot.

If Benicia voters approve the measure, the new sales tax could generate approximately $5 million annually in revenue to support general City services, including repairing, paving and maintaining streets, fixing potholes, improving safe routes to schools and fixing aging storm drains. Every dollar of the City’s sales tax revenues must be spent locally to address community needs and cannot go to the County or State. 

The measure proposes a three-quarter-cent increase to the existing transaction and use tax (sales tax). With a 0.75-cent increase, Benicia’s sales tax rate would increase from 8.375% to 9.125%. The proposed rate is similar to nearby jurisdictions, including Concord (9.25%), Martinez (9.75%) and Pleasant Hill (9.25%). If approved, the new sales tax would go into effect on April 1, 2023. The measure requires a majority vote (50% plus one) to pass.

Sales tax applies only to certain goods and services within Benicia, such as restaurants, bars, gasoline and retail stores, such as clothing stores. The tax does not apply to groceries, prescription medicine or the services of a doctor, dentist or attorney. If the measure passes, all shoppers in the city would pay 0.75-cents more per dollar on certain purchases.

The City of Benicia Economic Development Board, which is responsible for identifying and investigating economic development needs and opportunities in the City, would serve as the Citizens Oversight Committee responsible for overseeing the measure. Annually, the Board would report to the City Council how the funds are being used to address local road repair and infrastructure needs.

County Voter Information Guides (previously known as “sample ballots”) will be mailed to households starting September 29, 2022. Vote-by-mail ballots will be delivered between September 20, 2022 and October 10, 2022. The general election will take place on November 8, 2022.

For more information about Measure R, please contact Mario Giuliani at 707-746-4289 or MGiuliani@ci.benicia.ca.us. For more information about the November election, please contact the City Clerk at 707-746-4201 or LWolfe@ci.benicia.ca.us.

* Measure letter designation dependent on confirmation from Solano County.

 

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About the City of Benicia

The City of Benicia is a Bay Area City located adjacent to the Carquinez Strait, which is part of San Francisco Bay. A waterfront City of 28,000, Benicia is known for its small-town charm, history and high quality of life. Benicia offers an abundance of leisure and recreational activities. Learn more at www.ci.benicia.ca.us.