Press Release: Benicia Measures A and B Passed by Voters

BENICIA MEASURES A AND B PASSED BY VOTERS ON MARCH 5 ELECTION   

Benicia Measures A and B were passed by voters by a landslide on the March 5 election. Measure A is an increase to the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), also known as a hotel tax, from 9 percent to 13 percent. Measure B is an increase of three-quarters-of-a-cent to the sales tax rate.  

Although votes are still being counted, the preliminary election results as of March 5 show 78 percent of voters voted yes on Measure A and 72 percent voted yes on Measure B.  

“Benicia residents overwhelmingly voted to invest in themselves and protect Benicia’s quality of life by passing Measures A and B,” said Benicia City Manager, Mario Giuliani. “The community’s choice to invest in Benicia is the beginning of the city’s path to secure financial sustainability and a prosperous future." 

Measure A, paid by hotel and motel guests, is projected to increase annual revenue by $250,000 and Measure B by $5.4 million. The increase in TOT and sales tax rates will go into effect on October 1, 2024. 

Measures A and B were put on the ballot for voter consideration to maintain police services, protect 911 and fire emergency response times, maintain local parks, preserve recreation and library services and sustain other vital city programs. The measures were brought to voters as part of the city’s Resiliency Plan, to address the city’s 10 percent structural budget deficit and to protect and maintain essential services in the city.