Temple City voters approved a new local sales tax and elected two council members in the March 3 municipal election, according to preliminary city results. The Temple City sales tax measure passed by only 14 vaotes, reflecting a sharply divided electorate. Preliminary totals are posted at https://www.templecity.us.
Measure TC received 1,361 votes in favor, or 50.26 percent, while 1,347 voters, or 49.74 percent, opposed it. The Temple City sales tax will add three quarters of a cent to most retail purchases within city limits if results stand after certification.
In the City Council race, Vincent Yu and Tom Chavez led five candidates seeking two seats. Yu earned 1,831 votes, or 36.25 percent. Chavez followed with 1,725 votes, or 34.15 percent.
Richard Lee placed third with 919 votes. Kumar Swaminathan received 545 votes, and write in candidate Xianjin Sean Li drew 31 votes.
Temple City reported 2,939 ballots cast. Voters could choose up to two council candidates. That format produced 5,051 total votes in the council contest.
Why Sales Tax Appeared
City leaders placed the Temple City sales tax before voters as officials searched for stable revenue. Budget projections showed rising costs for public safety, street repair, and other services. Officials said the measure would support police and fire services, maintain infrastructure, and stabilize the general fund.
The tax functions as a general transactions and use tax. State law requires only a simple majority for approval. Revenue will flow into the city’s general fund and council members will decide spending priorities during future budget cycles.
Cities across Los Angeles County have adopted similar measures in recent years. Local governments often rely on sales taxes to offset rising labor, maintenance, and service costs.
Close Outcome
The narrow margin places the Temple City sales tax among the closest ballot outcomes in recent city elections. Only 14 votes separated support and opposition in the preliminary count.
Election officials will complete the official canvass in the coming weeks. The canvass reviews ballots, verifies signatures, and finalizes totals before certification.
If results remain unchanged, Yu and Chavez will join the five member City Council. Their terms will begin after certification and the council reorganization meeting.
Both new members will help guide decisions about how the Temple City sales tax revenue is used. Future budgets may direct funds toward public safety staffing, street maintenance, and other municipal programs.
The election also signals strong voter engagement in local fiscal policy. Nearly three thousand ballots were cast in the municipal contest. The close vote suggests residents remain divided about raising local taxes to support city services.
Final certified results will confirm whether the Temple City sales tax takes effect later this year. City officials have said the added revenue could help stabilize long term finances while maintaining core services for residents.
For many residents, the outcome will shape budget debates and service priorities across Temple City in the coming years.
