DID YOU KNOW?

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The City hired a consulting firm at the cost of $217,000 with an original estimate of only $50,000 to $100,000.  The consultants will research and receive community input on raising the Hesperia sales tax by 1%. They will advise City Council on whether you, the voters, might approve an increase if placed on the ballot.

 The City wants to double the amount of tax they are currently collecting. They receive 1% of the 7.75% currently charged on sales in the City. They want to increase that to 2%. Currently they receive roughly $14 Million per year. If they proceed with a 1% increase, they are in fact asking the residents of Hesperia & visitors to pay double what they are paying now. 

An extra 14 Million at the expense of Hesperia citizens.

In a staff report to the City Council dated 8/27/25, the City Manager presented the Budget for fiscal year 2025/2026. 

"The General Fund of the City is balanced, with operational

revenue funding operational expenditures and the difference between total resources (revenue, budgeted reserves, and transfers) and total expenditures resulting in a surplus." 

So why ask for another roughly $14,000,000 now?

A general sales tax generates revenue that can be used for any purpose determined by the City Council and requires a simple majority vote of 50% +1.  General Fund revenues can be used for any purpose. No guarantees are made as to what the extra $14 Million would be spent on. Will it be used to repair roads, provide more police, or will it go toward buying up more real estate, hiring consultants,

or increasing staff? No one knows. 

And the City won't tell us what the increased tax will be spent on.