APPLE VALLEY – The Town of Apple Valley announced on November 7 that residents voted in favor of Measure P — an additional 1% sales tax on retail transactions within the town. 

They say the sales tax will generate $9 million per year to fund town services and programs, including those impacting law enforcement and infrastructure.

Apple Valley mayor Scott Nassiff said the measure went through with 65% of voters in favor of it.

“Staff will work with the Sheriff’s Department on a staffing plan to add 8-10 deputies to the budget next year, and we are confident that the Town Council will approve this increase as they have been anxious to enhance public safety in our community,” said Nassiff in a Facebook post.

He says Apple Valley businesses will begin charging the additional 1% sales tax starting April 1, 2025, and the town will receive those funds in July 2025.

Exemptions from additional sales tax

According to San Bernardino County, the unofficial election results show that a total of 19,310 people voted on the measure with 12,549 voting in favor of it.

According to the town’s analysis of the measure, it is estimated that the additional $9 million in annual funding could be used for maintaining general town services such as law enforcement, street, pothole and sidewalk repair, homelessness programs, retaining local businesses, and maintaining public parks.

The town says that there are exemptions from the additional sales tax that include unprocessed groceries, rent payments, prescription medicine and personal services — legal dental, medical.

Next steps

Nassiff says the next steps include finalizing paperwork to send to the state and opening applications for the Citizens Oversight Committee after the first of the year. 

For more San Bernardino County unofficial election results visit https://results.rov.sbcounty.gov/Results/20241105/