San Gabriel utility tax passed
SAN GABRIEL -- City voters passed Measure SG Tuesday, which would raise
a municipal tax on utilities from 6 percent to 8 percent and use the
additional funding to improve infrastructure and emergency services.
City officials proposed the utility tax increase as a way to fund needed street improvements, boost fire and police services and to construct a new police station. With dwindling revenue coming in from the state, officials said Measure SG was the most viable way to raise money to pay for the projects.
The tax hike would generate between $1.2 million and $1.3 million annually, according to the city's projections.
If Measure SG passes, the average household would see a $6-per-month increase in on its utility bill. For most families, utility bills would increase from an average of about $17.60 a month to about $23.40 a month.
Without the tax hike, officials had warned, San Gabriel's budget could face a projected deficit of about $600,000 next fiscal year.
A survey that went out to voters earlier this year -- and telephone polls conducted by City Hall staffers -- found that a majority of residents would support increasing the tax, if the money were used to fix streets, bolster emergency services and build a new police station.
City officials proposed the utility tax increase as a way to fund needed street improvements, boost fire and police services and to construct a new police station. With dwindling revenue coming in from the state, officials said Measure SG was the most viable way to raise money to pay for the projects.
The tax hike would generate between $1.2 million and $1.3 million annually, according to the city's projections.
If Measure SG passes, the average household would see a $6-per-month increase in on its utility bill. For most families, utility bills would increase from an average of about $17.60 a month to about $23.40 a month.
Without the tax hike, officials had warned, San Gabriel's budget could face a projected deficit of about $600,000 next fiscal year.
A survey that went out to voters earlier this year -- and telephone polls conducted by City Hall staffers -- found that a majority of residents would support increasing the tax, if the money were used to fix streets, bolster emergency services and build a new police station.
Why don't they get businesses that generate income instead of catering to one culture with limited appeal to most residents. I'm tired of paying for the city's lack of detail
It must be pretty nice to be able to dip into residents' pockets whenever the city can't balance their own budgets.