Measure BG on track to pass

BELL GARDENS, CA — Measure BG appeared headed for approval Tuesday night, giving Bell Gardens officials a lifeline as the city braces for projected deficits and a potential $7 million hit to cardroom revenue.

According to preliminary results released by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Measure BG received 56.54% support and 43.46% opposition. As of 2:08 a.m. Wednesday, 2,078 ballots had been counted, with supporters leading by 272 votes, 1,175 to 903.

The quarter-cent sales tax increase required a simple majority to pass.

What Measure BG does

Measure BG would add a quarter-cent sales tax within Bell Gardens city limits, raising the local sales tax from 0.75% to 1%.

Measure BG would generate an estimated $975,000 in its first year after taking effect Oct. 1 and roughly $1.2 million annually thereafter. Because it is a general tax, the revenue would go into the city's general fund and could be used for any municipal purpose, including police, parks, street repairs, and recreation programs.

Why it mattered

The City Council placed Measure BG on the ballot after declaring a fiscal emergency earlier this year amid concerns about future revenue from the Parkwest Bicycle Casino, which generated roughly 38% of Bell Gardens' general fund revenue last fiscal year.

City officials have warned the situation could worsen dramatically if gambling regulations adopted by Attorney General Rob Bonta—and backed by California tribal casinos—are ultimately allowed to take effect. The rules target blackjack-style and player-dealer games commonly offered at cardrooms and are currently blocked by a preliminary injunction.

Even if Measure BG passes and the regulations remain blocked, Bell Gardens still projects a $1.97 million deficit this fiscal year and a $3.67 million deficit next year.

Cardroom operators have warned the changes could force casinos to shut down tables, slash revenue, and potentially close businesses altogether.

During recent budget discussions, officials estimated Bell Gardens could lose between $4 million and $7 million annually from the Bicycle Casino if the regulations are upheld—a roughly 35% reduction in cardroom revenue.

City leaders warned that if the regulations take effect and Measure BG fails, the city's budget shortfall could approach $8 million, raising the prospect of cuts to police, parks, recreation programs, and other general fund services.

Council support

Measure BG was backed by the Bell Gardens City Council, whose five members signed the official ballot argument in support of the measure.

In a video posted ahead of Election Day urging residents to vote yes, Councilmember Marco Bárcena highlighted the council's unanimous support for the measure.

“Usually, the council has different opinions on issues, but for this tax measure everyone is on the same page,” Bárcena said.

Councilmember Jorgel Chavez emphasized the measure's potential impact on city services. 

“Local services depend on this measure passing,” Chavez said in a video posted ahead of Election Day.

No formal opposition argument was submitted.

Reaction

Councilmember Jorgel Chavez thanked voters for supporting the measure and said the results reflected residents' understanding of the city's financial challenges.

“First and foremost, I'm thankful to the community of Bell Gardens for once again entrusting us with this measure,” Chavez said in a phone interview on election night. “I think the community understands the situation, the state of emergency we declared as a council.”

“This gives us another level of confidence as we approach this next year,” he said.

Councilmember Francis De Leon Sanchez also thanked voters and said the outcome would help the city navigate an uncertain financial future.

“I am deeply grateful to the Bell Gardens voters for making their voices heard and supporting Measure BG,” De Leon Sanchez said in a statement. “While our city continues to face serious financial uncertainty, especially with the ongoing threat to cardroom revenue, Measure BG gives Bell Gardens an important tool to help protect public safety, youth and senior programs, parks, streets, and essential city services.”

She added that the vote reflected “a shared commitment to protecting the services, programs, and quality of life our residents and families depend on every day.”

What's next

The results remain unofficial as Los Angeles County continues processing outstanding ballots during the official canvass. Additional vote count updates are scheduled throughout June.