Lancaster council also meets today

LANCASTER — Facing a combined projected $18.7 million revenue decrease over the 2019-20 Fiscal Year and the current fiscal year because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Lancaster City Council, today, will consider a proposal for a Nov. 3 ballot measure to increase the sales tax in the city by three-quarters of a cent.

The current sales tax in Los Angeles County is 9.5%. Lancaster’s proposed sales tax, if approved by local voters, would increase the total sales tax to

10.25%. The Palmdale City Council will consider a similar proposal today, as well.

The three-quarter cent is expected to raise an estimated $12 million annually in locally-controlled funding to protect Lancaster’s longterm financial stability and maintain essential city services. Those include repairing streets and potholes and keeping public areas safe and clean for all, according to the proposed ballot language.

The money could also go toward retaining local businesses, protecting local water sources and maintaining veterans, senior, mental health and community programs.

All of the revenue from the proposed sale tax increase would remain in the city. The sales tax does not expire and would remain in effect unless terminated via a lawful vote of the electorate.

The City Council will meet at 5 p.m., today via a teleconference. Anyone who wishes to comment on an item on the agenda may do so by dialing 1-877-8535257 using meeting ID: 945 3853 0682 # password: 980773

The meeting will also be video streamed live on Channel 28 and the City’s website at https://www. cityoflancasterca.org/connect/public-meetings