Vote Yes on Measure H, Urges Montebello Chamber

    The City of Montebello is putting Measure H on the March 3rd Special Election ballot. Measure H would increase the city’s current sales tax from 9.5% to 10.25%, which is California’s maximum sales tax. The approval of Measure H would allow Montebello residents to keep their sales tax revenue within the city and obtain funding for responsive emergency divisions, public safety and community programs, and to maintain neighborhoods, streets, and parks.

    In the November 2020 general elections, voters will be asked to vote to approve a .5% increase in sales tax in Orange and Los Angeles counties placed upon by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. South Coast AQMD is an air pollution control agency that serves Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. If approved, South Coast AQMD would be able to obtain additional funding for clean air projects through the increased tax without any direct funding designated to Montebello’s city projects.

    “The passing of Measure H would impact the future of our city. It would provide us with the ability to improve public safety and improve our streets and parks. Further, all new funds generated through this measure would stay in the city, directly benefiting all Montebello residents,” said Mayor Salvador Melendez.

    If passed, Measure H would mandate the creation of a Transparency and Accountability Committee consisting of a panel of residents to ensure all funds are used to directly benefit Montebello residents.

    “It’s detrimental to the city if we don’t pass the tax...We have an opportunity to improve our community by the increase this sales tax will generate,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kimberly Ann Cobos-Cawthorne.

    Although residents previously voted against a raised sales tax, Montebello’s top priority is funding the maintenance of the city and its residents. Through the approval of Measure H, the City of Montebello will be ensured the generated revenue by the 0.75% increase in its entirety. Without additional funding, Montebello might be required to make extensive reductions to the city’s basic services. Montebello Chamber of Commerce is in support of Measure H for the city’s long-term stability and residents are urged to VOTE YES ON MEASURE H.