Users Tax to Last Into Next Century

The Palos Verdes Estates City Council has extended a utility users tax through 2003 to pay for capital improvement projects.

The special tax, originally adopted by the council in April, 1983, places a 10% surtax on monthly utility bills. It was to have expired on June 30, 1993.

In voting Tuesday to extend the tax, council members said that without the income it provides, the city could not continue repairing old storm drains.

One resident spoke against the tax. “The hot weather has gotten me hot about the utility tax,” Robert Wardell said. “I frankly don’t like any tax that’s not deductible.”