Pittsburg voters gave their two cents and now will pay a half-cent more in sales tax after overwhelmingly approving a temporary increase Tuesday.
About 74 percent of the votes were in support of the sales tax with 28 of 32 precincts reporting.
Measure P will increase the sales tax in Pittsburg a half cent from 8.25 percent to 8.75 percent for five years, then lower it to 8.5 percent for five years after that. When the increase expires, the sales tax rate would return to whatever rate applies at the state level.
City leaders say the tax increase will make up for lost revenues brought on by a tough economy.
Since 2008, sales and property tax revenues have fallen $2.6 million, which represents a 26 percent decrease.
The measure will bring in an estimated $2 million a year for the first five years, which would help fix a projected $2.7 million budget gap for upcoming fiscal year.
Pittsburg may have had to put off hiring new police, starting layoffs or furloughs of city employees, and reducing senior hours without the sales tax, according to a report from the City Manager's office.
The measure calls for a citizens' oversight committee with at least three public members who would review how the revenues are spent.