Monrovia : Utility Tax Proposed

A citizens advisory committee recommended to the City Council on Tuesday that utility users be taxed to finance a $9-million police station.

Jack Bonholtzer, chairman of the seven-member committee, told the council that a 3% tax on residential electric and telephone bills will cost each household about $50 per year, enough to fund a 30,000-square-foot police station at Ivy and Lime avenues.

City officials will study the recommendation.

The committee has suggested replacing the current station, which is overcrowded and not earthquake-safe. The utility tax would require majority approval by voters.

Last June, a proposal to assess each Monrovia household $49 annually to finance a new station lost by 120 votes.