The Bakersfield City Council is debating whether to put a one-cent sales tax on the November ballot that could raise $50-Million. At last night’s session, John Fairbank with polling firm FM3 says they found most voters would approve the increase if it goes to public safety. The new survey commissioned by the Bakersfield City Council shows 65-percent of residents would support a one-cent sales tax increase, but not everyone wants to put it on the November ballot. Ward 3 councilman Ken Weir said at last night’s meeting that it’s being sold as a public safety tax, but he worries most of the money would pay for rising pension and healthcare costs. City Manager Alan Tandy and some council members think the extra funds could also help fight homelessness.

Kelli Pierce