For the fourth year Arcadia property tax rate has been set at $.94 per $100.00 assessed valuation. This is the lowest it has been since 1914 when it was $.60 The highest rate was $1.98 in 1945.
Mr. McCaslin received a blow to his plan to subdivide the 20 acre parcel when the Planning Commission changed the zoning in the area from R-1 (7,500 square feet per unit) to R-O (30,000 square feet per unit).
The first reading of a water conservation ordinance was undertaken at the City Council meeting June 8. Five phases of the measure are given. Water rates will increase $.06 per 100 cubic feet as of August 1.
For the first time people 62 years old and over and those on disability may get substantial tax relief. They must file between May 16 and August 31 to the Franchise Tax Board office at 3325 Wilshire Blvd. or Senior Citizens Property Tax Assistance- P. O. Box 1588 Sacramento. Proof of age or disability required.
A proposed ordinance to control open parties calls for a permit to be secured from the Chief of Police at least three days in advance. It aims to control groups of 50 or more. Wedding receptions would be exempt.
Due to the increased property tax assessments throughout the State, the $1750 exemption will begin to disappear. This will hit lower income home owners hardest.
Water rates in Arcadia will be lowered by $.04 per 100 cu Ft effective July 1, 1979. The burden of the water tax, now split 50% each by the city and property owners, will fall 100% on property owners. However, the increased property tax is tax deductible.
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%.
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%.
Arcadia voters overwhelmingly supported their schools in the tax base election held November 8. There was a heavy turnout, with over 80% of those eligible going to the polls.
Battle lines seem to be drawn between the residents of the area, who want 0-2 dwelling units per acre as the general plan calls for, and owner Lowery McCaslin, who would like 0-4.
Arcadia would lose approximately $472,268 yearly if Santa Anita Park race track were to close down and the 324 acre facility were to be developed with low density residential units. Losses would be partially offset by $190,750 in new property taxes and $278,482 miscellaneous taxes. New city services would account for a 6.18% increase in the city budget.
The five year Capital Improvements program will be reviewed by the City Council on March 16. The total dollar amount reflects a major reduction over previous years. Specifics are outlined.
In a letter to the Tribune, Chairman Charles Gilb says that the auditorium project is ready to move forward. A non-profit corporation has been set up and this will make donations tax-deductible. Committees will soon be formed. People may contact the committee by writing: Arcadia Auditorium Committee P. O. Box 60 Arcadia, California 91006
The Planning Commission has rejected proposed General Plan changes that would have permitted hi-density zoning in the Naomi-Camino Real-Golden West area and left it medium density. The General Plan and the zoning map are still not in conformity, which was one reason the hearing was called.
The City Council is considering collecting taxes on free admissions to the Santa Anita Park race track. It would mean considerably greater income for the City.
The County Board of Supervisors urged the State Legislature and Governor Reagan to defeat a bill which would make it easier for citizens to form a new county.