Real-Time Results: Beverly Hills Measure RP

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Measure RP, a proposal to conditionally raise Beverly Hill's sales tax, continues to lead. See real-time results below:

Even though reports say that the majority of votes have been cast, a winner cannot technically be declared until LA County provides the official canvas Nov. 30. The County anticipates providing ten updates to results through Nov. 30, according to Agoura Hills City Clerk Kimberly Rodrigues.

Still, given the lopsided results, it's fair to predict that Measure RP will be approved.
The measure would raise the city's sales tax from 9.5 percent to 10.25 percent — the maximum rate in California —but like they said, the revenue would not be collected unless the county attempts to do so first.

If Measure RP passes, the increase will be in name only, and the sales tax rate in Beverly Hills will not change. It will instead be referred to as "deferred collection."

This is so that if LA County voters, who can determine Beverly Hills taxes, set a new sales tax rate, Beverly Hills can collect the additional $28 million that the tax hike is expected to generate. If LA County sets it first, then Beverly Hills has to pay the higher tax without reaping the benefits - all of that money will go to the county instead.

The measure reads: Shall an ordinance be adopted which provides that if, and only if, another local governmental entity seeks to increase the transaction and use tax (sales tax) in Beverly Hills, then the City may prevent this tax increase and instead impose a Beverly Hills transaction and use tax by up to ¾% (approximately $28.06 million annually, indefinitely) so that the tax revenues will flow to Beverly Hills rather than the other governmental entity?

While the City Council calls it the "Taxpayer Protection Act," others have argued that it is disingenuous for the city to ask for needed money so indirectly.

"If Beverly Hills wants that money, they should make an honest case for it to their voters (as West Hollywood is doing by asking voters to approve a sales tax increase now) instead of letting the County be the bad guy, and then appearing to be the savior by claiming that tax money for the City," wrote a user in an opinion highlighted by the Beverly Hills Renters Alliance.

The user also pointed out that Beverly Hills relies on many LA County services, including election services, grants, and renters' protections, the extra funds will "come back to help us in the long run in this City many times over."

Learn more about Measure RP through Patch and from the city of Beverly Hills.

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