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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/29/1999 - STAFF REPORTS (3)PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2991999 Poo • +I i° 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.