Sales-Tax Hike Dividing Santa Monica Patch Readers

In the wake of Santa Monica's sales tax on Friday, we asked if you agree with the tax, which is intended to generate money for city services and local schools—or if you're concerned that it might encourage consumers to make their purchases .

Santa Monica Patch readers seem to be divided on the issue, although the majority of those who have commented appear to be deeply concerned. (Note: Proposition Y, which prompted the sales-tax increase, passed by 61 percent in Santa Monica's November election.)

Here is a sampling of some of the responses (which have been edited for length and copy-edited):

"Why buy in Santa Monica, where the tax on consumer goods is higher than anywhere else?" asked. "If not a tea party, it's time for some community activism. Here's a concept for : Manage your funds efficiently. You want have to charge $60 for a meter violation—a criminal fee in my opinion—or 10.25% in [sales] taxes?"

Reader agreed. "This tax hike was very ill-considered, especially in the current economic climate," she wrote. "The public is so weary of paying more to get less. This could be the straw that causes people to rethink their expenditures in Santa Monica. Once they see that they can spend less in SaMo without too much aggravation—many of them will not go back. This was a very costly lesson to the grocers who locked out strikers in 1999."

Another reader, , was at odds with the aforementioned comments. "All of us benefit from the 1/2 cent increase," she wrote. "Strong schools and good services mean property values remain high and our streets remain safer. Also, our local stores are more likely to charitably support the community's schools and nonprofits. This tax was a solution to tremendous cuts to our schools and rising costs for emergency services. I support the tax. I prefer to BUY LOCAL!"

Expressing sentiments similar to Rich's and Schafer's, Santa Monica Patch reader wrote: "In the 20 or more years I've lived here and been subjected to the asinine laws dreamed up by the city fathers, this takes the cake. Smart move, raising the sales tax when we're still in a recession ('recovering'? I don't see it). ... Call me an elitist, and I'll simply point out that I worked hard all my life to afford to live here—which is how it should be, in my opinion. I think we need a total house-cleaning."

Reader also disagreed with the sales-tax hike, saying, "Talk about a gross error. ... The movement to 'avoid Santa Monica' will become fully ingrained [due to the higher sales tax]. We spent so much money to 'bring 'em in to shop' and now reward them with 'make them pay more.' ... Don't bite hand that feeds you, let alone rebuilt your city."

Two other readers argued that the effect of the higher sales tax will likely be minimal.

"I think it is a small increase that will not be felt by the average shopper," wrote. "And, as the state prepares to cut even more dollars from our schools and cities, our city is in better shape to attract home buyers because our services and schools are excellent and will remain excellent. Property values continue to hold in our city, and that is good for everyone."

agreed. "A half-cent sales tax won't make a great difference [where] most people shop," she wrote, "but it WILL help our schools weather some devastating cuts in without losing too many of the strong programs that keep our property values high in Santa Monica."

A reader whose first name is replied to those remarks, saying, "To all of you people who live in Santa Monica and say, 'Oh, no big deal, let's pay more,' [they] should have their heads examined. ... So many regulations in this city and now a tax hike. Think it's time to move. Oh yeah, that'll add to the 100s of empty houses I see lining the streets."

Echoing sentiments voiced by Proposition Y and YY supporters in a posted on Santa Monica Patch over the weekend, reader said: "When will people realize that the value of a community is based on the assets it provides to both residents and visitors? My husband and I purchased our home here 19 years ago as newlyweds with the clear awareness that we were becoming residents of a community that invests in children. ... I will gladly buy as many of my big-ticket items as I possibly can here in Santa Monica."

Reader sharply disagreed. "The truth is that the school district overpays its administrators ([the super intendent's] housing allowance, for example), and spends tons of money on lawyers and settlements to deny an education to special-needs kids," he wrote. "When they have their house in order, I'll support them. Until then, I am done shopping in Santa Monica for anything."

A senior citizen, reader , also voiced concern. "I am a 75-year-old person who has not gotten an increase on [my Social Security] check for two years, and now Santa Monica ups the tax. It is criminal to do that. ... This is not right."

Go here to read the full comments made by Santa Monica Patch readers regarding the sales-tax increase.