PRESS RELEASE
Half Percent Sales Tax Rollback in El Cajon
EL CAJON, Calif. – April 15, 2015 – The ‘Rollback Tax Event’, hosted by the East County Chamber of Commerce, the City of El Cajon, Parkway Plaza, and Valley of Cars, commemorated the one-half percent sales tax decrease in the City of El Cajon. With the sun setting of Proposition O, the sales tax decreased from 9.0% to 8.5% in El Cajon. Taxpayers will save approximately $8.6 million a year, an average of $245 per household.
“The City of El Cajon accomplished everything it promised the taxpayers when they approved the tax in 2004,” said El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells. “The sales tax revenue generated by Proposition O allowed the City to build much-needed public safety facilities, improve a handful more, and lay the groundwork for a brand new animal shelter. It’s now time to put money back in the hands of taxpayers.”
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.
“This is an important step for El Cajon businesses owners, residents and visitors,” said Eric Lund, general manager of the East County Chamber of Commerce. “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.”
In November of 2004, the citizens of El Cajon passed Proposition O, agreeing to pay a one-half percent sales tax for 10 years to raise funds specifically for the improvement of El Cajon’s public safety and emergency response facilities. Over the past 10 years, 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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