LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A proposed half-cent sales tax increase was shot down by Los Angeles voters Tuesday, according to the City Clerk’s office.

Measure A was defeated 55.17 percent to 44.82 percent, final election results found.

The measure would have increased city sales tax to 9.5 percent — one of the highest in the nation — and raised approximately $211 million a year for public safety.

Revenue would have been used to prevent layoffs, fund the Los Angeles police and fire departments and improve city streets and sidewalks.

The city is facing an estimated $216 million budget deficit in the coming fiscal year.