BELL : Snafu Delays Cut in Utility Tax Rate

Taxpayers were supposed to get a break last month when the city’s utility-users tax decreased by 2%, but those who live and work here have discovered that the tax rates on most utility bills are as high as they have been all year.

Under a 1992 city ordinance, the tax was to have been cut from 10% to 8% as of Oct. 1, but telephone, electric and water company officials somehow overlooked the change, said Robert A. Rizzo, chief administrative officer. “I guess the utility companies’ computers didn’t pick up on (the change).”

Pacific Bell said it will adjust the rate by year’s end and Edison said it will credit upcoming bills.

The ordinance will reduce the utility-user tax further next year, to 5%, and eliminate it in 1996.

Residents are urged to monitor their bills and the city will refund any overpayments, Mayor Ray Johnson assured a crowd at a recent City Council meeting.

Refunds can be collected from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday at City Hall, Rizzo said. Residents and merchants should wait until their rates are adjusted before bringing in all their bills for reimbursement, he said.

Proof of overpayment is necessary.