Azusa : Fire, Maintenance Taxes End

Residents will see a $6.20 reduction in their monthly utility bills after fire safety and community maintenance taxes are eliminated.

The City Council on Monday voted to eliminate the two taxes, which have been in effect since 1989, effective Dec. 1. The fire safety tax was $5.76 per month and generated $1 million per year; the community maintenance tax was 44 cents per month and generated $130,000 per year.

The revenue will be replaced from a $3-million surplus in the city’s electric light fund, accumulated when the city began shopping around for service at lower rates.

Removing the taxes was approved by a 4-1 vote, with Councilman John R. Dangleis against. Dangleis said financial decisions should be made during a budget session.