FRESNO (KMJ) — A proposed sales tax increase in the City of Fresno is part of Mayor Lee Brand’s plan to bolster both public safety and bring in more money to the parks.
Mayor Brand unveiled his plan Monday morning to source around $44 million of revenue annually for 15 years, with a half-cent increase.
“With one-quarter-of-a-cent going to police and fire – public safety, and one-quarter going to parks. Those combined three departments represent around 70% of our general fund.”
Brand described it as a substantial increase that would provide the City of Fresno with essential core services.
The item is already on Fresno City Council’s Thursday agenda. It needs to be approved by the council before it can be included in November’s ballot for the voters to decide.
“Prop 47, Prop 57, prison realignment, literally 55,000 felons are now walking the streets of California, and that’s had an impact on public safety,” detailed Mayor Brand.
“So I have an obligation, a solemn obligation, to the citizens of this city. Number one is to keep them safe.”
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
