$200-a-Year Parcel Tax to Go on April Ballot

The Rancho Palos Verdes City Council, warning that a severe budget deficit could lead to more cutbacks in city services, has voted unanimously to put a $200-a-year parcel tax on the city’s April ballot. The exact language of the measure is being worked out and is expected to get final approval in a special council meeting Saturday.

The council was unanimous in its message to the voters: If they reject the parcel tax, the city will be forced to shut down many more government services.

If approved, revenue would be used to offset a $2.4-million budget deficit and restore some maintenance and construction money. It is expected that the tax would generate about $3 million a year. Without that, the city’s badly run-down streets, curbs, gutters and storm drains will go unrepaired, environmental protection services will be reduced or eliminated and recreation programs will be cut further, council members said.