A few cities in our region are facing some tough financial decisions.
We’re closely watching how the city of San Diego handles its $350 million budget deficit.
But another city stood out this week. North County reporter Tigist Layne dug into how Escondido’s new sales tax is shaping the city’s spending plan.
Escondido was one of the few cities that convinced residents to approve a new sales tax. The city’s rate increased from 7.75 percent to 8.7 percent. Proponents argued the city needed more revenue to fund key city services and infrastructure improvements. As Layne previously reported, officials had put off maintenance on facilities and parks to make ends meet.
The sales tax was expected to bring in around $28 million annually, but city staff now estimate it will bring in $38 million a year.
What we learned: Escondido’s new sales tax may not be enough to help the city climb out of its financial hole. Layne reports that city staff still project a deficit.
But how can that be?
Layne is planning on following up. Do you have any questions you’d like her to answer? What do you want to know about Escondido’s budget? Send me a note at andrea.sanchez@voiceofsandiego.org.
No Wiggle Room
Social media star Bella Ross set out to answer one question this week: Is there any way around San Diego’s new trash fee?
Can single-family homeowners opt out and hire a private hauler instead? Could people just take their own trash to the landfill?
Not possible, she learned.
According to the city charter, owners of single-family homes and small apartment complexes with up to four units are legally required to pay.
You can read the full post here.
More to Start Your Week
- On Monday, the San Diego City Council will consider overriding Mayor Todd Gloria’s vetoes. We’ll keep you posted in the Morning Report.
- Sacramento reporter Deborah Brennan has everything you need to know about the bills that are moving forward. Read the Sacramento Report here.
- ICYMI: Our Jim Hinch has what you need to know about the county supervisor debate between South Bay mayors Paloma Aguirre and John McCann.
- San Diego Unified has a new superintendent.
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