HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/29/1999 - STAFF REPORTS (3)PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2991999
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I would like to talk about Measure Y, which will be on the
November 2'd ballot. Measure Y is an advisory vote asking the voters to
CONTINUE the utility tax. It is NOT a new tax, nor an INCREASE in
tax. As a matter of fact, the council has been empowered by the voters
to levy a 5% tax on gas, electric and telephone, but that tax has been
REDUCED for the past year and it is now at 4-W%.
As the measure reads on the ballot, your YES vote requests that
5400,000 of the revenue resulting from the CONTINUANCE of the
ut0ity tax be used for the purpose of funding parr, recreation and
leisure activities, facilities and improvements in the city.
You may ask why these facilities cannot be maintained with our
property taxes. A good question, and under normal conditions they
would be. However, beginning in the early 90's, the State diverted over
$2 million dollars a year, which normally went to the City. Just think of
what a huge shortfall that is. Despite the fact that our economy is
Improving and there is more building going on, we are still short of
funds. Hence, the u0ty tax.
It is not an onerous tax. I compiled a record of what I have
actually paid in utility tax for the first 9 months of 19". I live alone in
a 2400 sq. ft horse, with no pool, and the TOTAL amount I paid for the
S months (this includes tax on gas, electric and two telephones totaled
$37.00, or $4.63 a month. i think it is safe to say that the AVERAGE
family is paying less than $10.00 a month. And, families whose annual
income is less than $17,000 are exempt This is less than we pay for
television service.
Before you cast your vote, stop and think about why you chose to
live here ... the beautiful weather, the outstanding scenery, recreational
facilities, including parks and library, and the low crime rate. In other
words, you are here because you enjoy the QUALITY OF LIFE Palm
Springs affords you.
Your YES vote on Measure Y will insure the CONTINUANCE of
that QUALITY OF LIFE.