Citing expenses, Colton asks voters to up sales tax 1%

Colton voters will decide in November whether to tax themselves an additional 1% on purchases to raise $9.5 million annually for general city services.

With financial projections revealing the city will not have enough revenue in the coming years to keep pace with rising expenditures, the City Council this month became the latest in San Bernardino County to put a 1-cent sales tax measure before voters.

If approved by a majority of voters in November, the tax would take effect April 1.

Placing the initiative before the electorate will cost about $50,000.

Colton faces increasing annual budget deficits with no additional source of revenue, city officials told council members May 4.

The 1-cent local sales tax would generate approximately $9.5 million yearly and balance the budget for the foreseeable future, officials said.

These prospective funds, officials reported, “would enable the city to invest in services and infrastructure that the community values.”

Without them, the city would have to cut expenses.

Neighboring San Bernardino faced similar financial peril two years ago when city leaders there placed a 1% sales tax measure on the November 2020 ballot. More than 56% of voters agreed to tax themselves an additional 1 cent on all purchases in town.

Voters in Montclair and Redlands also approved city-backed 1% sales tax measures that year.

In the coming weeks, written arguments and rebuttals regarding Colton’s sales tax measure will be crafted for inclusion in the voter information guide.

The deadline to submit primary arguments is July 21.

Arguments are not to exceed 300 words.