What challenges are facing the City of Perris?
Over the last 15 years the number of large distribution facilities and certain industrial businesses located within Perris has grown, with additional projects proposed or currently under review. This growth has increased traffic in Perris, which has increased the City’s costs relating to the improvement, operation, maintenance, repair and/or restoration of Perris public roads.
How does the City plan to address deteriorating streets and roads?
The City Council placed Measure A, a special business license tax, on the November 7, 2023, special election ballot. As a special tax, Measure A requires the approval of two-thirds of Perris voters at the November 7, 2023, special municipal election in order to pass. If approved, it could provide approximately $4 million annually for the improvement, operation, maintenance, repair and/or restoration of Perris public roads, including truck routes, collector streets, and arterial streets as identified in the Perris’ General Plan Circulation Map and any Perris specific plan circulation maps.
How can we be sure funding from Measure A would be spent as voters intended – for our local transportation infrastructure only?
If approved, all Measure A funds would be controlled locally and include annual audits to ensure every penny is spent on improvement, operation, maintenance, repair and/or restoration of Perris public roads as stated in Measure A. No Measure A funds could be taken away by the State or used for other purposes.
Would local residents pay the cost of Measure A?
No. Perris residents and visitors would not pay the tax, as only distribution and industrial businesses are required to pay the tax.
How is Measure A funded?
If approved, Measure A would establish a special business license tax for 30 years at the rate 10.7¢ (with annual CPI adjustments) per square foot of space that is principally utilized as a distribution facility or as an industrial business (as defined by Measure A). Measure A would be a tax paid by distribution facilities and industrial businesses.
What is a business license tax?
A Business License Tax is an annual tax that businesses pay for doing business within the city limits of Perris. This tax is only paid by businesses and Perris residents and visitors would not pay the tax, unless they own a business that operates within the city.
Do other communities in our area have a business license tax?
Yes. Many neighboring communities already have a business license tax in place, including Menifee, Riverside and Moreno Valley. Unlike Measure A, many of these cities apply such a tax to all businesses, not just industrial and distribution facilities.
Would all businesses in Perris need to pay the cost of Measure A?
No. Measure A only applies to businesses in the City of Perris that are a distribution facility or an industrial business (as defined by Measure A).
What qualifies as an industrial business?
With regards to Measure A, an industrial business is considered a business consisting primarily of indoor or outdoor storage of large trucks or a business consisting primarily of indoor or outdoor manufacturing activity with large truck activity. To learn more on what businesses qualify, please refer to the Measure A Resolution or Ordinance on our website at CityOfPerris.org.
Can the State or federal governments access this funding?
No. By law, every penny must stay in Perris for the improvement, operation, maintenance, repair and/or restoration of Perris public roads. None of these funds can be taken or redirected by the State or federal governments.
How many votes are required for Measure A to pass?
In order to pass, Measure A must be supported by two-thirds of those who vote on it.
How can I learn more about Measure A?
To learn more and view the Measure A Resolution or Ordinance, as well as the full staff report, the General Plan Circulation Map and specific plan circulation maps, and road maintenance reports, please visit our website at CityOfPerris.org or contact Ernie Reyna, Deputy City Manager, at ereyna@cityofperris.org, or by phone at 951-944-4310.
