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April 22, 2015 (El Cajon)—El Cajon has rolled back its sales tax from 9% to 8.5% due to the sunsetting of Proposition O, a temporary sales tax that helped build public safety facilities and more.
“It’s now time to put money back in the hands of taxpayers,” said Mayor Bill Wells. Taxpayers will save an estimated $8.6 million a year, an average of $245 per household, the city estimates.
City officials joined with the East County Chamber of Commerce, Parkway Plaza and Valley of Cars to host a “Rollback Tax Event” on April 15th.
This month, El Cajon became the only city in California to rollback its sales tax, according to statistics from the Board of Equalization. By comparison, 43 other cities and counties across the state elected to renew or increase their sales tax.
Eric Lund, general manager of the East County Chamber of Commerce, said, “This is an important step for El Cajon businesses owners, residents and visitors. The sales tax decrease in El Cajon means business owners are competitive with other cities in San Diego County, and consumers are keeping more money in their pockets. For example, when El Cajon residents visit the Valley of Cars, they’ll pay less for a car than they did before.”
Prop O was passed by voters in 2004 as a half-percent sales tax for 10 years. Over the past decade, the city built a brand new public safety facility and a new fire station. The city also made significant upgrades to three remaining fire stations in the city and has a brand new animal shelter planned to be built in 2016 with the remaining funds.
“The sunset of this tax is a time to celebrate for everyone,” said Mayor Wells. “The City of El Cajon is a better, safer place today than it was 10 years ago. Much has been accomplished and it wouldn't have been possible without the support from the El Cajon citizens, the business community, and City Council."
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