Lincoln voters to weigh 1-cent sales tax that could become Placer County’s highest
Lincoln voters will decide in November whether to approve a one-cent local sales tax that would give the city the highest sales tax rate in Placer County.
If approved, the tax is expected to generate about $6 million a year for general city services.
City officials said the revenue would help fund public safety, including 911 emergency response, police and fire services, medical equipment, and the maintenance of streets, parks and other public spaces.
The measure comes as neighboring Rocklin plans to ask voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase in November.
Lincoln and Rocklin currently share a base sales tax rate of 7.25% with Auburn, Colfax and unincorporated areas of Placer County.
Loomis voters previously approved a quarter-cent sales tax, raising the town’s rate to 7.5%, while Roseville voters approved a half-cent increase, bringing that city’s rate to 7.75%.
If Lincoln voters approve the measure, the city’s sales tax rate would increase to 8.25%, the highest in Placer County.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass. Because it is a general tax, the revenue could be used for any government purpose.
City officials said the tax would apply only to taxable retail sales, not property or real estate transactions, and that visitors shopping in Lincoln would generate a significant portion of the revenue.
