City to Collect Utility User Tax Arguments for November Ballot

City council unanimously approved combining two utility users taxes and adding them to the November 2011 ballot Wednesday. 

Per the Elections Code, supporters and opponents of these tax measures are allowed to submit arguments to be printed in the Official Sample Ballot. Up to five individuals may prepare and sign an argument of no more than 300 words in support or in opposition, according to the City. 

The combining of these taxes, which are used to fund city services such as police and fire, comes on the heels of the finance committee's recommendation presented June 1. Slated to sunset in November, the two taxes—a 3 percent one expiring in 2013 and a 5 percent one expiring in 2015—generate over 3.6 million a year or over 18 percent of the general fund. 

In light of the 30 percent water rate spike set for January among other economic factors, residents will vote whether or not to extend the tax to a 10-year period reduced from 8 to 7.5 percent. 

All arguments must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office at 1414 Mission Street before August 15 at 5 p.m. If opposing arguments are submitted, they will be made public and provided to each submitter for review. A 250-word rebuttal will then be prepared and submitted by the deadline of August 25 before 5 p.m. For more information and to obtain a submittal form, contact the City Clerk’s office at 626-403-7232. 

Below is the language slated for the November ballot. 

"To offset state cuts and provide vital city services, shall an ordinance be adopted to extend and reduce the South Pasadena Utility User’s Tax from 8% to 7.5% to maintain police patrols, fire, paramedics and 9-1-1 emergency services and safety equipment; fix potholes; repair streets and sidewalks; maintain senior meals and services; and other essential city services, requiring equal taxpayer treatment, annual audits, with no funds for Sacramento, with the entire tax expiring in 10 years?"

Public input was collected on the issue by the outside agency, Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin Metz & Associates, who surveyed 351 randomly selected residents. Click here to view the results. 

Check back this month for more details on how this potential ordinance would affect you.