EL CAJON–In November of 2004, the citizens of El Cajon approved Proposition “O”, a special half-cent sales tax increase, for a period of ten years. This new sales tax began on April 1, 2005, and is set to expire on March 31, 2015.
At the July 8, City Council meeting, the El Cajon City Council voted not to ask residents for an extension of this tax, thus allowing it to expire. Therefore, the half-cent sales tax will end on March 31, 2015, reducing the sales tax in El Cajon from 9% to 8.5%.
The revenues raised from this special tax were specifically earmarked for construction of a new public safety facility, a new animal control facility, construction of a new fire station on East Madison Avenue, and for improvements to the remaining three fire stations within the City. Prop O has raised over $100 million, which has been used exclusively for these construction projects. All of these projects have either been completed or are currently under construction, with the exception of the animal control facility, which is in design phase and will begin construction in 2015.
Mayor Bill Wells stated, “We appreciate what the taxpayers have done for the improvement of this City. It is now time to end this tax for the benefit of our residents.” The remainder of the City Council fully agreed with his recommendation. After a discussion of the issue, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Kendrick made the motion, seconded by Councilmember Star Bales, to end the tax. The vote was unanimous.
