YUCCA VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL AGREES TO PUT 1% SALES TAX ON NOVEMBER BALLOT

The Yucca Valley Town Council met in regular session last night. Managing Editor said the council determined they would take action to put a 1 percent sales tax on the November Ballot…
Yucca Valley residents will be voting on a sales tax measure during the general election in November. At a special meeting held last night, the Yucca Valley Town Council agreed with Town Staff that a 1 percent sales tax would be the best way to raise the sizeable amount of money the Town needs to lower the cost of the state-mandated sewer project; maintain and repair Town roads, and maintain public safety such as police and paramedic/firefighter services. Town Manager Mark Nuaimi told the audience and the Council that the anticipated revenues from the sales tax would significantly lower the cost of the sewer project for residents. “It would be a 35 percent reduction in cost to ratepayers; a 35 percent estimate is a very conservative estimate.” A phone survey of 255 residents last week found 59 percent supported the sales tax. The Council will formally vote on putting the measure on the ballot at its meeting August 7, with the stipulation that there is an independent oversight board to ensure the funds are spent as promised.