In a big way, the voters of Lynwood have eased the burden that the COVID-19 public health emergency has imposed on our city’s budget.
City Councilmember José Solache reminded us at last Tuesday’s City Council meeting (March 16) that, thanks to Measure PS, the city has been able to both avoid even more painful cuts in services to our residents and save many jobs of our valued city employees.
Our residents voted to pass the penny sales tax in 2016 and then renewed it again in 2019. Those actions have helped sustain vital city services during these challenging times.
In the last fiscal year, it generated $5.3 million which went right to the general fund. In the current fiscal year, we are expecting another $5.6 million.
“We have been able to continue to provide services to our residents, support public safety and keep more people working than we would have been able to if our Lynwood voters had not voted to support it,” said Solache. “It has been a lifesaver.”
Another important aspect is that it helped offset the drop in gas tax revenue that the city earns. Obviously, people haven’t been driving as much in the past year and it has notable in a drop in the gas tax revenues the city normally realizes.
So, to the City of Lynwood, we again say thank you for your support. It has had a positive impact on everyone who lives in our city.