Crime-plagued Southern California city poised to have highest sales tax in Riverside County – unless voters reject it in November
The Hemet City Council has placed a 1% sales tax increase on the November 2026 ballot, which would make the city’s rate the highest in Riverside County. The measure aims to generate roughly $16 million annually to address a structural deficit and fund public safety and street repairs, with revenues expected to begin in August 2027. While a feasibility study showed majority support, some residents voice concerns over crime and infrastructure priorities.
- ▪The council voted unanimously to put the tax increase on the ballot, targeting a 1% rise in sales tax.
- ▪If approved, the measure would raise about $16 million each year, with revenue starting around August 2027.
- ▪A feasibility study indicated at least 59% support in each council district for the tax increase.
- ▪Opponents argue the city’s crime rates and deteriorating streets need direct funding rather than a broad tax hike.
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Metro Crime-plagued Southern California city poised to have highest sales tax in Riverside County – unless voters reject it in November By Sheetal Banchariya Published July 23, 2026, 5:34 p.m. ET (function() { var overlay = document.getElementById("nyp-player-lcp-overlay"); if (!overlay) { return; } function hideOverlay() { overlay.remove(); } function afterDCL() { requestAnimationFrame(hideOverlay); } if (document.readyState === "loading") { document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", afterDCL, { once: true }); } else { afterDCL(); } })(); See more of our coverage in your search results.
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