Council bickers over bond
Looks like La Verne’s “do-or-die” session on the proposed $20 million public safety bond ran into a snag Monday night.
Of all five council members, Steven Johnson was the only one on the dais who said he was unwilling to support a bond measure “at this time.”
Johnson said considering the city went to the voters in 2000 to raise the utility tax by 50 percent, he didn’t want to burden residents again with more taxes.
A $20 million bond would likely cost voters about $200 extra a year, according to officials. A summer poll found 60 percent of La Verne residents would likely support it. Of course, a hypothetical poll is much different then an actual ballot measure. These things are tough to pass.
Johnson said he would not campaign against the city if they move forward with the bond anyway. But the remaining council Monday night questioned whether they should proceed without a “united” front.
They’re going back to the drawing board and will come back in April to decide whether its feasible for them to approve a bond measure with only majority support versus unanimous support.
Meanwhile, firefighters say they'll continue to live in their closet-turned-bedrooms and police volunteers will keep their equipment in a leaky, rubber-maid shed outside.
I don't know when the right time is Steve! The longer we wait, the cost goes up. There is a need for improvements with our public safety buildings, that is obvious. Afraid of losing the measure? Well, here is at least one vote in favor. As a public employee, I have sat through several of these. Lost one in the 1980's with only 60% support but have won two. The last one with a 78% vote in favor. Let the community decide.