Long Beach : Council Delays Action on Tax Measure to Add Police
The City Council Tuesday delayed its decision on a November ballot measure that would impose a special tax on property owners to pay for 100 new police officers.
The council will discuss the proposal along with several others in two special sessions next week in order to meet the Aug. 7 deadline for putting measures on the ballot.
City staff proposed a flat $75 annual parcel tax on residential and commercial land. But most council members argued that it would be more equitable for residents and business owners to levy the tax on dwelling units instead of parcels or the square footage of buildings.
One city resident suggested that only residences be taxed and that businesses not be required to pay for the increase in police services.
The council also delayed voting on a ballot measure that would ask voters to approve a $48.4-million bond issue to build two police substations, a police and fire communications center and to modernize the public safety building.
Council members will consider several other ballot measures, including increasing the mayor’s powers and allowing council members to work full time.
Some council members and residents have expressed concern that too many ballot measures in November might confuse voters and spell defeat for all of them.
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