Tax measures in Gonzales and Soledad trail behind in early election results.

Three ballot measures in cities around Monterey County that would raise taxes, and a fourth that would increase compensation to City Council members in Pacific Grove, were all trailing in early election results, with voters possibly souring on paying more taxes in the face of higher gas prices and a weakened economy.

Two parcel taxes to fund emergency and fire services in South County were lagging, each with roughly 48 percent of the vote.

Soledad’s Measure A was losing 633 to 677 as of midnight on Wednesday morning, June 3. It would impose an annual tax of $233 for single family homes, $174 per unit of multi-family properties. For non-residential properties the tax would be between $99 and $134 based on use, plus $0.07 per square foot.

In Gonzales, Measure B was losing 293 to 327. That measure would charge $349 for single-family properties and $262 per residential unit in multi-family buildings. Non-residential properties will be taxed between $148 and $201 based on use, plus $0.07 per square foot.

In Monterey, a proposed sales tax, Measure D, was also behind—2,374 to 2,600, with 48 percent of the vote. If it passes, it would raise the city’s sales tax by 0.375 percent, to a total of 9.625 percent. The money would be funneled into the general fund to pay for services that are currently in danger of being cut due to an estimated $12 million budget deficit in the coming fiscal year. The increase could bring in as much as $4.5 million annually.

Vote-by-mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day, June 2, can still be counted if they are received by June 9. Elections officials have not yet released figures on how many ballots were submitted that are left to count.