A recent poll conducted by FM3 Research found that San Diego County residents are hesitant to support tax increases. The poll, which surveyed 727 registered voters, showed that 66 percent opposed a half-cent sales tax increase, while 60 percent favored a hypothetical real estate transfer tax on properties over $5 million, and 56 percent supported a potential county payroll tax on high earners.

County Officials Weigh Options

County officials are exploring options to raise revenue, including a half-cent sales tax measure that will be on the November ballot. The measure would fund various causes, including healthcare, childcare, and public safety. However, the poll results suggest that the county may face challenges in passing the measure.

Two county board Democrats, whose fiscal subcommittee is working with consultants behind the polling effort, say they have a responsibility to consider multiple ways to increase revenue as the county faces federal cuts and future budget challenges. Vice Chair Monica Montgomery-Steppe stated that federal funding cuts are putting essential county services at risk, and the county has a responsibility to respond.

Board Republicans have criticized the fiscal subcommittee’s closed-door meetings and are arguing for more transparency on the polling. Republican Supervisor Joel Anderson has proposed guardrails for county-funded polling, including a review process for polling contracts and public posting of poll results within 30 days.

Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.