A new city-commissioned survey reveals that Santa Rosa residents may be willing to double the local sales tax to rescue city finances.
The Press Democrat reports according to the poll, 57% of likely voters support increasing the current half-cent rate to a full cent, a move that could generate $46 million annually for 911 response and wildfire prevention.
The city is currently grappling with a five-year deficit of nearly $34 million as operational costs climb and tax revenues dip. While voters favored the sales tax, they soundly rejected a proposal to modernize utility taxes, signaling a clear preference for how to bridge the budget gap.
Mayor Mark Stapp noted that while “tax fatigue” is real, residents appear to understand the need to protect essential police and fire services.
If the council moves forward, the measure would likely appear on the November ballot.