The County Taxpayers Association has endorsed a proposed one-cent sales-tax measure in Santee, according to KOGO News, adding a new development to a tax question already heading toward local voters.

The proposed general tax increase would raise an estimated $140 million over 10 years, KOGO reported. The money would be used for projects such as new and remodeled fire stations, aging infrastructure, and street and sidewalk repairs.

If approved, Santee's sales-tax rate would rise from 7.75% to 8.75%, which KOGO reported would make it the highest-taxed city in East County. The measure follows an earlier half-cent tax proposal that voters rejected two years ago for emergency service and fire protection funding.

For Santee residents, the endorsement is likely to become part of the broader debate over whether the city should raise local sales taxes to pay for public-safety and infrastructure needs. Supporters can point to the revenue plan and taxpayer-group backing, while opponents are likely to focus on household costs and the size of the increase.

The measure will now face voters, with roads, sidewalks, fire-station needs and the city tax rate all expected to remain central issues as the campaign continues. Source: KOGO News.