San Juan Capistrano : Council Endorses Jail Tax Initiative

Prompted by a letter from Sheriff Brad Gates, the City Council this week voted to endorse Measure J, the half-cent sales tax referendum that would go toward construction of a new county jail in Gypsum Canyon.

“Not only do we need a new jail, but it has been proven over and over again that our current facilities are sub-standard,” said City Councilman Gary L. Hausdorfer, one of four council members who voted to endorse the measure.

Councilman Jeff Vasquez dissented in the 4-1 vote.

“A half-cent sales tax doesn’t seem like much, but as a merchant I know it’s an agonizing feeling to raise sales taxes,” Vasquez said. “I would rather see these funds be derived another way. Sales tax is a regressive tax, and I just can’t support it.”