The Westminster City Council recently voted 4–1, with Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo opposing, to restart a program in April that reimburses $500 to city residents and businesses for vehicles purchased and leased in the city.
The program—which was requested to be renewed by a handful of car dealerships—is meant to incentivize residents to shop locally.
According to the city, dealerships are one of the top revenue generators for the city, accounting for approximately 29 percent of its income through sales tax.
The city’s program, which ran from 2017 until May 2022, has been under scrutiny because it mistakenly reimbursed for used vehicle purchases, which were not part of the original deal….