Artesia : 2 Public Meetings Scheduled on Utility Users Tax Proposal

The Artesia City Council will hold two public meetings on a proposed 2% utility users tax, which was roundly criticized by an overflow audience at a council session last week. The city wants to impose the tax to close a projected budget gap, but critics said the city should cut spending instead.

The meetings will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 and Nov. 2 at the Artesia Community Center, 18750 Clarkdale Ave., after which the tax will be considered again by the council on Nov. 9.

City Manager Paul J. Philips said the tax on natural gas, electricity and telephone bills would raise between $600,000 and $800,000 a year. He said the city might face a $400,000 to $500,000 deficit in the next fiscal year because of faltering revenues, including a drop in sales tax. In addition to closing the revenue gap, Philips said money raised by the utility users tax would boost city reserves. Artesia’s general fund budget this year is $4 million.