Stocktonians to Vote on Sales Tax Hike

The Stockton City Council voted 7-0 Tuesday night to put the tax measure on the ballot. 
If approved by voters, the increase would raise about 28 million dollars a year. 

The Council also agreed to put an advisory measure on the ballot that outlines how that extra money would be spent.  Roughly two-thirds would go to hiring more than 100 police officers and improving public safety under the so-called “Marshall Plan.” The rest would be used to help Stockton recover from bankruptcy. 

The tax measure would sunset in ten years – or as soon as the city’s general fund revenues get back to 2009 levels.  If the measure passes in November, the tax rate would go up to 9 percent in Stockton, starting in January.  

There were some fireworks at last night’s meeting.  Mayor Anthony Silva said there were "mean people involved" and he did not trust the city administration, but voted for the measure anyway.