Hermosa Beach Voters reject sales tax increase Measure HB

by Kevin Cody

Measure HB, a .75% sales tax increase meant to offset projected city budget shortfalls, was rejected by voters on Tuesday, by a margin of 3,199 (43%) to 4,269 (57%).

The measure was supported by four of the five councilmembers, but opposed by five former councilmembers, among them Michael Keegan. 

Keegan served on the council from 2001 to 2009, and was reelected to the council on Tuesday. He said Tuesday night he would support placing the sales tax increase on the ballot a third time, in 2026, if the council indicates how the increase in revenue is to be spent. A similar sales tax increase measure on the 2022 ballot also failed. ER