El Cerrito has received a seven-year break from its current budget woes, as voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase.

The raise will bring the sales tax to 10.25 percent, the highest in the area and the maximum allowable under current law.

From the Oakland Tribune:

El Cerrito voters Wednesday morning handily passed a ballot measure that will enact a half-cent sales tax for up to seven years to help prevent further cuts in the citys budget.

A majority of votes was needed to pass Measure R, which will raise the local sales tax to 10.25 percent, highest in the area and highest allowed by law. The unofficial vote tally showed 3,595 votes (59 percent) in favor to 2,492 (41 percent) opposed.




“It was really exciting, a resounding success, said Mayor Janet Abelson, who said she had walked precincts urging support of the measure. “I couldn t get to sleep until 5 o clock.


Read the full article here.