City council unanimously opposes proposed county half‑cent temporary sales tax

The Rolling Hills Estates City Council unanimously approved a motion on Feb. 10 to oppose a proposed temporary half‑cent county sales tax measure intended to backfill revenue losses attributed to recent federal changes. The measure, described by staff as a five‑year half‑cent sales tax that would be placed on the June ballot and expire in October 2031 unless renewed, would require a majority vote for approval because it is temporary.

Councilmember (speaker 3) moved that the city oppose the measure and authorized staff to work with Mayor Derringer, an attorney, to draft opposition language for submission to the county board of supervisors meeting on short notice. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

In public comment, a resident said temporary taxes commonly become permanent, endorsing the council’s opposition. Staff noted letters in the agenda packet from nearby jurisdictions opposing the measure and encouraged using the League of California Cities guidance when drafting statements.

Council directed staff and the mayor to present the opposition during the supervisors’ meeting and to file any necessary correspondence.