Two years ago, Pico Rivera voters rejected a hike of 10% to 15% in its hotel bed tax, but now City Council members are going back to voters, this time for an increase in the city’s business license fee.

In 2020, Measure TT, the bed tax increase, was defeated by a 58% to 42% margin.

But on Tuesday, the City Council voted 5-0 for the first increase in the fee since the city incorporated in 1958. It would raise about $5.8 million, if voters approve in November.

But this new voter measure isn’t the same as the one rejected two years ago, Councilman Erik Lutz said in an emailed statement on Wednesday. The measure two years ago was a tax on hotel guests, he added.

“It was done in a different time with a previous council,,” Lutz said.

“The current measure for November’s ballot is thankfully not a tax which our residents will appreciate,” he said. “We have built trust with the community which will give them confidence that this upcoming measure will ensure a more equitable business license fee structure, protecting small businesses.”

The fee increase — depending on what kind of business you have — would go from one cent per $1,000 in gross receipts to three or five cents per $1,000 in gross receipts, officials said.

City Manager Steve Carmona said under the current tax, small businesses carry more of the burden. The new fees would have a more equitable structure, officials said.

For example, a bowling alley would only pay $10 annually, city officials said.

A poll by FM3 Research of Los Angeles gave council members reason to believe voters will support the tax.

It found that after positive and critical statements were made, the measure would pass: 54% in favor, 33% were opposed and 13% were undecided. However, the numbers are within the 4.9% margin of error.

Richard Bernard, a partner with FM3, said the poll gave other reasons for optimism.

Nearly 60% believe the city is going in the right direction and 80% say the city has a great or some need for additional funds, Bernard said.

“These numbers are very strong and come at a time when there are high prices and voters generally are in a disgruntled mood,” he said.

Mayor Monica Sanchez cited the nearly $70 million in unfunded projects, including $30 million related to street infrastructure improvements . on why she is supporting the fee increase.

“I, too, support this measure,” Sanchez said. “We have a surplus and a healthy budget but looking to the future we do have several unfunded projects. This is essential in securing our financial future.”

Marco Zapien, owner of Zapien’s Salsa Grill and past president of the Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce, in a July 8 telephone interview said he is OK with the fee increase.

“As a business owner, I don’t see a big problem,” Zapien said.