LOS ANGELES : Supervisors Reject Proposal to Put Sales Tax on Ballot

The County Board of Supervisors has rejected a proposal to place a countywide 0.25% sales tax proposition on the November ballot.

The board this week voted 3 to 2 against board Chairwoman Yvonne Brathwaite Burke’s motion to ask voters to approve a new sales tax.

Supervisor Ed Edelman joined Burke in recommending the measure for the ballot, but they were outnumbered when Supervisor Gloria Molina sided with conservative supervisors Mike Antonovich and Deane Dana.

The proposed sales tax increase would have generated about $180 million. Burke said the money may be needed to maintain essential services later this year. “Our budget is tenuous at best,” said Burke. “It’s a tough position to be in, but that’s where we are.”