When Monrovians go to the polls a week from next Tuesday on Nov. 5, they will be looking at one issue only: whether to increase local sales tax from 9.5% to 10.25%, the maximum allowed under state law. The City Council put this issue on the ballot to ensure that local taxes are kept in the community.
Currently the state receives 7.25% of the sales tax and the county 2.25%. Unfortunately only about 10% of the funds generated from sales in Monrovia ever returns to Monrovia. The council felt that by raising the local tax rate in Monrovia, all the additional funds generated would benefit programs here such as improving the community center and improving other city buildings, parks and community facilities such as the Library and Historical Museum. There is even talk of returning some funds to residents in the form of lower utility bills.