The Arcadia City Council approved a 5% tax on interstate and international telephone calls over the strong objections of residents. The tax, which will cost about $.40 per person per month, is expected to generate $225,000 in city revenues, which will help close the gap between the city's general fund expenditures and revenue.
The Arcadia Tax Reform Committee has officially been formed and will petition the City Council to rescind the new sewer and street-sweeping levies and the increase of the utility tax from 5% to 7%.
Article outlines discussion at City Council meeting about the ballot measure to increase the utility tax to raise money for the schools. It was suggested a higher admission tax at Santa Anita Park be used to raise the money.
City Council unanimously agreed to hold a June election to attempt to bail the school district out of its financial troubles. Proposition A would increase the utility tax by 2%, bringing in $550,000. Proposition B would raise the tax an additional 1% bringing $250,000 more. The funds would be for maintenance of school property and facilities used by the city.
The Arcadia Tax Reform Committee will present signed petitions to the City Council re requested repeal of 3 ordinances levying assessments on street sweeping and sewer service, and an increase in the utility users' tax from 5% to 7%.
The City Council will consider lowering the Utility Tax. City Finance Director, Charles Reiman, will give the necessary background in the City's need for revenue.
Don Pellegrino, incumbent on the ballot for City Council, has definitive opinions, listed in this article, on the election issues: the budget, race track admission, utility tax, etc.
Roy Speirs and Steve Worsley are running as a team in the upcoming election. Their publicly stated purpose is to form a coalition with Haltom and Dring to bring about tax reforms. Their initial goal will be to further reduce the utility tax, eliminate the sewer tax, reduce the number of employees and control salaries.
Jack Saelid has proposed a cap on the utility tax: when a yet-to-be-determined sum has accrued, collection would cease. City Attorney Charles Liberto will research and report on a possible ordinance.
Article outlines arguments for and against the two ballot measures raising the utility tax in order to restore school programs and prevent school closure.