San Mateo County voters mostly support hotel, sales taxes to fund local services

Voters in San Mateo County cities mostly supported increased transient occupancy tax (TOT) rates — sometimes referred to as a “hotel tax” — which are paid by out-of-town visitors to help fund city services.

Ballot measures proposing increased TOT rates in the cities of San Bruno, San Mateo and Half Moon Bay so far met the majority needed to pass, with over 70% of yes votes for each city, according to unofficial results early Wednesday and 100% of precincts reporting. However, support in East Palo Alto lagged behind.