Need to make a big purchase in Santa Maria? Now’s the time before Measure U kicks in April 1st

It’s going to cost you more to shop in Santa Maria soon. The city’s sales tax is going up on April 1st thanks to Measure U.

The overall sales tax is jumping from 8% to 8.75%. The measure was first approved by voters in 2012, bumping sales tax up a quarter-cent. The 2018 Measure U increases the tax rate to one percent in total.

“The extended and enhanced tax is going to pay for even more police and fire protection, possibly more hours at the library, more code enforcement, as well as quality of life and youth services,” said a city of Santa Maria spokesperson, Mark van de Kamp .

The measure is expected to generate $18 million a year. Van de Kamp says the city anticipates to see revenue starting in July 2019.

” The voters approved this as a sales tax extension until repealed by the voters. So at this time it’s indefinite, ” Van de Kamp said.

That means if you spend $100 shopping in Santa Maria starting next month, $8.75 is your new sales tax. Of that, $1 goes to the city for emergency services.

If you’re making a bigger purchase, like a $27,000 Honda Accord….
“It would be $2,172.80 today, ” said Jason Chavez of Honda of Santa Maria. ” [After] the new tax rate at 8.75%, it would cost $2,376.50.”

That’s about $200 dollars more after this weekend.
The new tax rate will be right up there with Santa Barbara City (also at 8.75%), is more than San Luis Obispo County (7.75% in most of the county), but it still isn’t as high as San Jose (9.25%) or Los Angeles County (up to 10.25% in some cities).