Californians To Pay More In Sales Taxes

Nineteen California cities and three counties raised their sale taxes on Monday.

The increases range from a quarter to a half-cent of every dollar in cities spanning from Culver City to Sacramento.

All tax increases are in addition to the statewide tax increase that was passed as a part of Proposition 30 and instituted in January.

"It's crazy; I wonder where it'll stop," said Craig Neil, a La Mirada resident.  "I'll probably shop at another city because of the sales tax, for sure."

This leaves certain cities like La Mirada with taxes as high as 10 percent, the highest in the state. 

Jeff Boynton, Deputy City Manager of La Mirada, said that fuel service stations are sensitive to the increase because they have to post their prices on their signs.  However, Boynton believes the change in sales tax will be good for the city in the long run. 

"It will result in improved infrastructure," Boynton said.  "There's a serious commitment to making sure that La Mirada is maintained and continues to be a healthy, vibrant community, that its streets and roads are in good shape, that it seweres and storm drains aren't collapsing under them, and really making an effort to ensure that La Mirada continues to be a top-notch community. 

One local shop owner who owns a jewelery store in La Mirada is against the increase and says it will negatively affect his business.

"I think it's a bad idea, because with this kind of economy, half of a percent makes a lot of difference.  I, personally, will go and shop not in La Mirada.  I'll go and shop where it's nine-and-a-half percent and not 10 percent.  It makes a difference."

Culver City and the City of Commerce are not far behind with rates of 9.5 percent.

The extra income will be earmarked directly for infrastructure repair and renovation. While the money is intended to go to the community, many feel that the plan will fall through as the tax increase deters shoppers from using local stores. 

Opposition is outnumbered on the sales tax as the increase came with sixty-six percent of voters in favor of the change.