Tax by Any Other Name
On March 19, 1990, the Oxnard Residents for Responsible Government PAC was formed to fight Oxnard’s proposed utility tax--Measure C. We considered it to be an unjustified and maybe unlawful tax. You will no doubt recall that it was soundly defeated by a 2-1 margin by Oxnard voters.
A short time afterward, the City Council voted a hefty increase in utility “fees.” About three months ago, we had another increase and last week the City Council approved yet another hefty increase.
Our utility bills are supposed to pay for all related costs for the utility. But I believe that the city has consciously transferred and shifted people and responsibility out of general fund departments and into the utility funds. I believe that this is dishonest and that the City Council and city manager know full well that they are getting their utility tax despite the voters’ wishes by using deceit and trickery.
Our citizens pay enough for government and we look to the City Council to hold the line or else explain honestly and openly why that is not done.
CURTIS P. DAVISON
Oxnard
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