Costa Mesa launches Measure C information website ahead of November ballot

Costa Mesa has launched a website providing information on Measure C, a proposed overhaul of the city’s business license structure that voters will consider on November 3.

The City Council voted July 22 to place the Costa Mesa Fair Business License Reform, Small Business Protection Measure on the ballot. The measure would update a business license system that has been in place for 41 years.

Under Measure C, businesses with annual gross receipts of $500,000 or less would not see an increase in their business license fees. The city estimates that threshold would protect about 72% of Costa Mesa businesses.

Businesses earning more than $500,000 annually would pay 50 cents for every $1,000 in gross receipts, with an annual cap of $15,000 for businesses reporting $30 million or more in gross receipts.

The measure applies only to business licenses and would not increase taxes on Costa Mesa residents, according to the city.

If approved, Measure C is expected to generate about $4.6 million annually for general city services. The funds could support 911, police and fire response, crime prevention, homelessness response, public-area maintenance, road and infrastructure improvements and other local services.

All revenue would remain under local control, and the measure includes annual independent financial audits and public disclosure of spending.

More information, including potential effects on local businesses, is available at www.costamesaca.gov/measurec.