Patch Redwood City, CA --Enjoy the lower sales tax while you can - because it goes up on Monday.
On Monday, April 1, the base sales tax in San Mateo County goes up half a cent, as a result of the voter-approved Measure A, which appeared on the November, 2012 ballot.
The sales tax will rise from 8.5 percent to 9 percent in all cities and in the unincorporated areas, except in the cities of *San Mateo* and *Half Moon Bay*. As a result of voter-approved sales taxes in those cities, the sales tax will be 9.5 percent in Half Moon Bay and 9.25 percent in the city of San Mateo.
Measure A was placed on the November 2012 ballot by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. The tax, which "sunsets" after 10 years, is expected to raise approximately $60 million per year for "general fund purposes."
Much contention has brewed across the county in the past few months over how, exactly, the supervisors will spend the anticipated $60 million per year.
Some are upset that it seems Measure A is being treated as a "jail tax," since the county has already voted to spend anywhere from $145 to 160 million to build a new county jail in Redwood City - which is also expected to cost $30 million per year to operate once it's up and running.
Other ideas the supervisors have tossed around in their last few meetings include mental health intervention services - particularly advocated for in the wake of recent deadly mass shootings across the country like Aurora, Colo. and Newtown, Conn. - upgraded library programs, public art projects, a bicycle program coordinator, restoring an independent county parks department, and school safety.
Recently, the county solicited feedback from residents on how they think the Measure A funds should be spent.
Read the ballot statement and full text of Measure A here.
Whatever happens, this is the last weekend to shop or dine out with a lesser sales tax rate, so take advantage of it while you can! Be sure to visit *Patch's directory* for listings of local shops, restaurants and other businesses, if you're looking for something fun and local to do this weekend.
For a full listing of sales and use tax rates effective April 1 by county or city, visit the State Board of Equalization.
*What do you plan to do this weekend, before sales tax goes up? And, what do you think the Measure A funds should be spent on? *Tell us in the comments below.
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