San Marino Voters To Decide On Utility Users Tax Increase

SAN MARINO, CA — San Marino officials on Monday reminded voters about Measure U on the Nov. 3 ballot, which would renew the city’s utility users tax and increase the rate from 5% to 6%.

In July, the City Council unanimously approved placing the measure on the ballot before the existing tax expires March 31, 2027.

San Marino first adopted the tax on utility services in 1992, and voters have approved it three times since. Measure U would restore the previously approved 6% rate, which was lowered to 5% in 2015.

The existing tax accounts for roughly 6% of the city’s general fund, which supports day-to-day services such as police, fire, emergency preparedness, street and sidewalk maintenance, and recreation programs for youth and seniors. Revenue generated by the tax stays in San Marino, officials said.

According to the city’s five-year financial forecast, annual budget shortfalls without utility users tax revenue would range from approximately $2.1 million to $2.8 million. The city also reports $50.7 million in unfunded infrastructure projects involving streets, sidewalks, storm drains and public facilities.

The city has frozen hiring, eliminated programs and made one-time budget reductions to control spending, but rising costs for insurance, equipment, fuel and utilities are expected to push expenses above revenues. City officials said additional revenue from sources such as the higher utility users tax is needed to maintain current service levels and address infrastructure needs.

San Marino's current 5% tax is the lowest among nearby cities with a utility users tax, including Burbank and Glendale at 7%, Pasadena at 8%, and Sierra Madre and Los Angeles at 10%, according to the city.

For more information, contact the City Manager’s Office at CityManagerOffice@SanMarinoCA.gov. The city's Measure U webpage.