Santa Fe Springs City Council proposes quarter-cent sales tax for emergency services

Santa Fe Springs City Council took a significant step towards enhancing local public safety and community services during their meeting on July 1, 2025, by approving a resolution to declare a fiscal emergency and call for a special municipal election on November 4, 2025. This election will propose a quarter-cent increase in sales tax aimed at retaining local control over funds and improving essential services.

Council member Bobadilla emphasized the urgency of the measure, highlighting that Santa Fe Springs has been contributing substantial taxpayer dollars to county measures without receiving adequate returns. For instance, the city contributes between $8 million to $16 million annually to county programs, yet receives only a fraction back—approximately $500,000 from the recently approved Measure A. “It’s not a good investment if we let somebody else take it,” Bobadilla stated, advocating for the need to keep funds within the community.

The proposed tax increase is expected to directly benefit public safety, particularly in fire services and emergency response. The council plans to use the funds for improvements to fire stations, ensuring they meet the needs of both male and female personnel, and to enhance local parks. Bobadilla noted that the city is currently working on a fire assessment and a park master plan to identify specific needs.

Additionally, the measure aims to bolster paramedic services by adding six new paramedics, which will improve response times for emergencies. “This would help getting our paramedics to our residents,” Bobadilla explained, addressing concerns from residents who have previously relied on neighboring cities for emergency services.

The council is prepared to launch an educational campaign to inform the community about the measure and its intended use of funds, ensuring transparency and engagement ahead of the election. The approval of this resolution marks a proactive approach by the Santa Fe Springs City Council to address pressing community needs and enhance local governance.