San Gabriel : 6% Utility Tax Approved
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Rather than make budget cuts of about 17.5% in all city departments--including the loss of 10 police officers, closure of a fire station and ending all after-school recreation programs--the City Council voted 4 to 1 Tuesday to tax commercial and residential utility users.
Vice Mayor James Castenada opposed the 6% tax, saying the council should instead make cuts in areas not critical to public safety.
Although three members of the public spoke in favor of additional budget cuts, 11 speakers supported the new tax. The council also received a $1,000 check from resident Sarah M. Duncan to help overcome the budget shortfall.
The levy on electricity, phone, water and gas services will not apply to base utility rates. And low-income residents may be granted exemptions.
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