El Monte : More Police, Firefighters
A divided City Council approved hiring 10 new police officers and six firefighters Tuesday, but it postponed a proposed utility tax hike to pay for the positions until conducting a public hearing.
Council members Jack Thurston, Tom Millett and Maria Avila voted for the measure. Mayor Patricia A. Wallach voted against it, saying an increased utility tax would hurt businesses. Councilman Ernie Gutierrez abstained.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. Aug. 16, 1992 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Sunday August 16, 1992 Home Edition San Gabriel Valley Part J Page 2 Column 1 Zones Desk 3 inches; 92 words Type of Material: Correction
El Monte vote--When El Monte City Councilman Ernie Gutierrez raised his pen in his hand last week--signifying his vote in favor of a motion to hire 10 new police officers and six firefighters--many of those attending the council meeting missed the gesture. Several walked out shaking their heads and wondering out loud why Gutierrez hadn’t voted. Though the City Clerk had called for a “voice vote,” and the other council members said their three “yeas” and one “nay” out loud, Gutierrez’ auction-like signal didn’t fail to catch the official’s eye. Thus, contrary to The Times’ report Thursday that Gutierrez abstained, the record lists his vote as a yes.
The new positions will cost the city more than $800,000. City Administrator Gregory D. Korduner said an increase in the city utility tax from 3% to 7% would create enough revenue in the city’s general fund to pay for the positions. No hearing date was set.
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