Contra Costa County’s Measure X is ahead Wednesday morning 59% to 41% in semi-official election results, with a majority needed to pass. The measure adopts a 0.5% sales tax for 20 years beginning April 2021. Food sales are exempt and the county estimates the tax would raise $81 million a year for the general fund.
The tax is aimed at adding to underfunded emergency services and establishing a social safety net for those in Contra Costa. The county Board of Supervisors will allocate the funds.
Money raised would add to the countyâs general fund and provide financial support to regional hospitals, emergency and fire response systems. The tax would be implemented from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2041. It would also create an oversight committee to take note of the county needs and manage priorities accordingly.
The Contra Costa Taxpayers Association opposed the measure.
â Lakshmi Sarah (@lakitalki)
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