Federal budget cuts lead this East Bay county to consider a new tax to fill the gaps

MARTINEZ — Bracing for a budget shortfall blamed largely on federal cuts, Contra Costa County voters could be asked to help mitigate any financial impacts with a ballot measure this June that would raise the county’s sales tax rate and generate about $150 million annually.

County officials are likely to place a 0.625% general retail sales and use tax measure on the June 2 ballot. If passed with a simple majority, it would raise the county’s current rate of 8.75%.

Supervisors voted...