THE WESTMINSTER City Council will consider asking voters to raise their sales tax by a half-penny per dollar (Shutterstock).

The question of asking voters to add a one-half cent sales tax increase goes before the Westminster City Council when it meets this afternoon (Wednesday).   If approved by the council it would go on the ballot in the March 5, 2024 primary election.

 According to a staff report, the tax hike would bring in an estimated $8 million annually. An earlier one-cent sales tax proposal, Measure Y (approved by voters in 2022) raised $16.8 million.

 However, the report claims, that was not enough to cover falling revenues and rising expenses, including police services to battle rising crime, and programs to solve problems associated with homelessness. Among other programs, Westminster is partnering with Garden Grove and Fountain Valley in the establishment of the Central Cities Navigation Center for the unsheltered.

 At present, the city is operating at a deficit and is expected to run out of reserves by the fiscal year 2027-8 and be forced to “cut basic services.” The estimated cost of the election would be $136,253 to $161,907. This special meeting will be held at 2:30 pm. at the council chambers, 8200 Westminster Blvd.