West Hollywood Weighs Tax Hike

West Hollywood is considering adding $1 million in new taxes on businesses and doubling the annual $48 rent registration fee as part of a proposed $40.8-million city budget.

The budget being considered by the City Council for the fiscal year that began July 1 calls for spending almost $12 million more than last year, an increase of 26%.

However, City Manager Paul Brotzman characterized the budget Wednesday as “essentially a hold-the-line document.” He said it contains only modest increases in operational expenses, and most new spending would be earmarked to help finance a long-planned civic center and other capital improvements.

“We think it is an essentially hold-the-line document that reflects very little in the way of expansion of city services, while addressing the city’s capital improvement needs,” he said.