Searching for a long-term solution to the city's chronic financial woes, the Los Angeles City Council agreed Tuesday to ask voters for a $200-million-a-year increase in sales tax collections.

The proposed half-cent per dollar boost in taxes on millions of everyday purchases, which would appear on the ballot in the March 5 mayoral election, has drawn sharp criticism from opponents. Four council members cast opposing votes: Mitchell Englander, Eric Garcetti, Jan Perry and Dennis Zine.

Because the vote was not unanimous, a second vote will be needed next week.

Advocates for working-class families argue that the rush to get the measure on the ballot left them out of talks that took place behind the scenes between city leaders and the real estate industry.

Read more at the LA Times