STANTON : 6% Utility Tax Up for Final Vote Tonight
A 6% tax on residential and commercial utility users will be up for a final vote tonight at a City Council meeting.
The utility tax, which city officials say could raise $1 million yearly, was tentatively approved after a public hearing two weeks ago, though a handful of residents criticized the decision, saying the city wastes money.
The city’s budget is about $8.25 million. Officials say the city could face a $1.4-million deficit next year.
If approved, the utility tax would appear on water, electricity, gas and telephone bills around July 1, according to city staff. People with what are considered very low incomes would be exempt.
Council members Don Martinez, William C. Estrada and Joe V. Harris voted two weeks ago to approve the tax. They blamed the state Legislature for the impending deficit and said that legislators balanced the state budget by shifting property taxes and other revenues away from the city.
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