Utility Tax Measure on Ballot
Rolling Hills Estates voters in November will be asked to approve a 5% utility users’ tax for four years to raise revenue to acquire land for open space.
The City Council on Tuesday authorized the ballot measure, together with a companion proposition allowing the city to exceed the so-called Gann limit on tax revenues for the duration of the utility tax. Both measures must be approved for the tax to be collected, and approval of the utility tax itself requires a two-thirds vote. Purchase of any land would require a public hearing.
The proposal stems from controversy two years ago about the former Dapplegray Intermediate School site. Some residents criticized the council for not moving to acquire the site, which the council said the city could not afford.
“There is great interest in acquiring open space,” said Mayor Nell Mirels. “This gives voters the opportunity to choose.”
The 5% utility tax would raise an estimated $625,000.
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