Council Falls One Vote Short of Required Approval for Local Tax Proposal
HESPERIA, Calif. (Our Hesperia) — Hesperia voters will not decide on a proposed 1% local sales tax increase this November after the Hesperia City Council failed to secure the four affirmative votes required to place the measure on the Nov. 3, 2026, General Municipal Election ballot during its July 21 meeting.
Although the proposal received majority support in a 3-2 vote, the resolution and accompanying ordinance required approval from four of the city’s five council members. Mayor Bennington, Mayor Pro Tem Pullen and Council Member Ochoa supported the measure, while Council Members Lee and Gregg voted against it, ending the proposal before it could be considered by voters.
Top Areas Covered
- Proposed 1% Hesperia sales tax measure fails
- City Council voting breakdown and ballot requirements
- Public opposition voiced during council meeting
- Projected revenue and intended uses
- Public safety staffing challenges
- City’s long-term financial outlook
- History of Hesperia’s population and infrastructure growth
The proposed Transactions and Use Tax would have increased Hesperia’s total sales tax rate from 7.75% to 8.75%, generating an estimated $15 million annually in locally controlled General Fund revenue.
According to city staff, the additional revenue was intended to maintain essential city services while addressing growing infrastructure, public safety and maintenance needs throughout the city. Officials explained the increase would equal approximately 10 cents on a $10 taxable purchase, $1 on a $100 purchase and $10 on a $1,000 purchase.
City officials emphasized that several everyday necessities, including groceries, prescription medications, diapers and menstrual hygiene products, are exempt from California sales tax and would not have been affected.
The proposal also detailed how the existing sales tax is distributed. The State of California’s 6% share, the 0.25% state transportation tax and the 0.50% countywide Measure I transportation tax would have remained unchanged. The additional 1% would have stayed in Hesperia for local government operations.
Residents Voice Concerns Over Higher Taxes
Before the vote, numerous residents spoke during public comment, with many opposing the proposed increase.
Several speakers cited continued inflation and the rising costs of housing, food, fuel and utilities, arguing that residents are already facing financial challenges. Others questioned whether the city had fully explored existing revenue opportunities and spending efficiencies before seeking additional tax revenue.
The public comments reflected broader concerns about affordability while acknowledging the city’s ongoing infrastructure and public safety needs.
City Highlights Public Safety Staffing Needs
A significant portion of the council presentation focused on law enforcement staffing.
Hesperia Sheriff’s Station Captain Jeremy Dean outlined the department’s current staffing, noting the city has 62 sworn personnel, including one captain, one lieutenant, seven sergeants, six detectives and 47 deputy sheriffs. Patrol staffing generally ranges between five and seven deputies on duty during each shift.
City officials also presented data showing Hesperia currently has 0.60 sworn officers per 1,000 residents, well below the city’s long-term goal of 1.0 officer per 1,000 residents.
Officials noted that Hesperia’s population has grown from 91,151 residents in 2010 to an estimated 102,605 in 2026, while sworn staffing has increased only modestly from 57 officers to 62 during that same period.
To reach its staffing objective, the city estimates it would need 41 additional sworn officers, representing an annual cost of approximately $11.28 million.
Revenue Intended for Infrastructure and City Services
According to the staff report, the proposed revenue would have supported a variety of city priorities, including:
- Street paving and road maintenance
- Pothole repairs
- Storm drain and flood control improvements
- Replacement of aging public infrastructure
- Maintenance of parks and public facilities
- Expanded crime prevention programs
- Enhanced 911 emergency response capabilities
Because the proposal was structured as a general tax, the revenue would have been deposited into the General Fund and could have been used for any lawful municipal purpose as determined by the City Council during the annual budget process.
Financial Pressures Continue Despite Revenue Growth
City officials said Hesperia has implemented several strategies in recent years to strengthen its financial position, including negotiating improved property tax allocations with San Bernardino County, establishing community facilities districts for new development and updating the city’s fee schedule.
However, officials said inflation and increasing labor, construction materials and operating costs continue to outpace many revenue sources, placing additional pressure on the General Fund.
The city also retained TeamCivX to conduct public outreach and voter polling on a potential local sales tax measure. According to the staff report, polling conducted earlier this year found majority support among surveyed registered voters for a local sales tax dedicated to maintaining city services.
Proposal Ends Before Reaching Voters
Had the City Council approved Resolution No. 2026-32 and introduced Ordinance No. 2026-01 with the required four affirmative votes, the measure would have appeared on the Nov. 3, 2026, General Municipal Election ballot, where it would have required approval by a simple majority of Hesperia voters.
Instead, the proposal ended with the council vote, preventing residents from deciding the issue during this year’s election.
The outcome leaves city officials to continue addressing Hesperia’s growing infrastructure, public safety and operational needs using existing revenue sources while evaluating future options for long-term fiscal sustainability.
