Say "yes" to taxes

This just in from reporter Amanda Baumfeld:

It appears the residents of Covina will be paying a utility tax for another 10 years.

A measure to extend the tax was approved with 65 percent of the vote in Tuesday's election.

The vote tallies came in with 3,275 residents voting yes or 65 percent and 1,757 residents or 35 percent voting no.

It was the measure's second attempt to pass in a year after it failed in March 2007.

The tax, which brings in an estimated $5.5 million a year, was originally approved by voters in 1999. It was set to expire March 2009.

Massive cuts to city departments were planned for July if the tax did not pass.

Guess those initial absentee ballots showing favor the tax were a premonition.