Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Sheet
Q: What is the current sales tax rate in Oxnard compared to the rate in other cities?
A: The current sales tax rate in Oxnard is 7.25% - among the lowest in the state. For comparison, the
City of Santa Barbara sales tax rate is 7.75% and the City of Los Angeles sales tax rate is 8.25%
Q: Will people drive to other cities to shop if the sales tax rate is lower there?
A: Not likely. Consider that the sales tax on $100 worth of items purchased would result in an increase
of approximately 50 cents in cost; most shoppers would spend much more than that in gas
driving to another city.
Q: What types of services can be funded with the additional revenue?
A: A general sales tax can be used for a wide variety of City services, including: expanding and improving anti-youth violence and anti-gang programs, fixing potholes on streets and roads, improving the ability of the Fire and Police departments to respond to natural disasters and upgrading streets and intersections to improve traffic flow. One benefit of a general sales tax is the City Council would have the discretion to determine priorities as required.
Q: Will the precarious state of the economy and the budget deficit in Sacramento affect the financial condition of Oxnard?
A: Over the last 10 years, Oxnard has lost more than $10 million in local tax revenue to the state. All funds that would be generated by a sales tax increase will give Oxnard the local control needed to ensure City parks and recreation, street maintenance and other vital community local services are satisfied. While cities are now largely protected from state raids of local funds, for many years Oxnard has had to defer maintenance and projects in order to preserve the current healthy financial condition. Without new revenue, the years of delay for these projects will likely continue further into the future.
Q: When was the last sales tax increase for Oxnard?
A: The City of Oxnard has never increased its sales tax rate. At 7.25%, Oxnard’s sales tax rate is among the lowest in the state.