Norwalk may ask residents to raise the sales tax

City of Norwalk photo

NORWALK – Would Norwalk residents support raising the local sales tax to help plug a projected budget deficit?

Norwalk officials think the answer is yes.

The City Council on Tuesday will vote on whether to place a sales tax increase on the March 3, 2020 ballot.

If approved by voters, Norwalk’s sales tax rate will increase by 0.75% to a total of 10.25%, the maximum tax rate allowed by law.

A research firm hired by Norwalk indicated 66% of voters would approve of raising the sales tax. The same poll revealed 64% of residents believe Norwalk is heading in a positive direction.

Norwalk officials warned additional revenue is needed to stave off a looming budget deficit.

“The City’s operating budget deficit is forecasted to increase from over $2 million in 2021 to a cumulative total of almost $18 million in just five years if additional revenue is not secured, or City’s operating expenses are not reduced accordingly,” city manager Jesus Gomez wrote in a report to council members.

Norwalk voters will select three council members in the same March 3 election.