Artesia : Proposed Utility Tax to Pay for More Deputies Is Tabled

The Artesia City Council has tabled a proposed utility users tax of up to 10% to raise money for more police protection in the face of battles between Artesia gangs and rivals in Hawaiian Gardens, Norwalk and Paramount.

The issue will be taken up again in 90 days after the council has determined if there is money in the regular city budget for additional service from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which polices the city. The council also wants to analyze the amount of revenue that would be needed should it decide to call for a utility tax.

The council had considered putting the tax proposal on the June ballot, but several council members expressed doubts that it would pass. “Everyone wants police protection, but no one wants a tax,” Councilman Bob Jamison said.

Councilman Jim Van Horn, who suggested the tax, objected to wording in the proposed ordinance, which would make revenue available for general government use even though the council is committed to using it for law enforcement.

“It should be a restrictive fund for law and code enforcement use,” he said. “If people are satisfied, we will do the best we can. If they are willing to pay a tax for much better protection, they need to say so.”