Editorial: Measure N cuts too much, too soon

Measure N, which seeks to repeal the city’s utility users tax, goes before voters on June 7 and, if passed, could negatively affect the city of Glendale in many ways.

City officials have said that if the measure is approved, and the tax is repealed, it will result in a $17.5-million annual loss from the city’s General Fund, which City Manager Scott Ochoa has said could lead to significant cuts in police and fire services as well as local libraries and other programs that are important to Glendale residents.

While supporters of the measure claim the actual revenue loss would be less than $17.5 million, it’s still certain there would be an abrupt loss of a significant amount of money , and there’s simply no question that would have a devastating impact on our city’s coffers. A noticeable reduction in vital services would be a highly likely outcome if Measure N were to pass.

We understand that we still live in tight economic times for many local residents, particularly those on fixed incomes. It’s also true that many city employees, particularly those at the top, are well compensated with salaries and pensions that are almost unheard of in private industry. So, it’s understandable there would be a rallying cry for governments to tighten their belts.

However, to sever such a large funding source in one fell swoop could be crippling for the city. If there is such strong support to cut the utility users tax, a better approach may be a measure that reduces the tax incrementally down to a certain amount, but not do away with it entirely all at once. Then, city officials would be able to plan ahead for phased-in fund reductions.

Taxpayers’ pocketbooks may need some relief, but Measure N is not the way to do it.