PORT HUENEME : Council Moves to End Beach View Tax

The Port Hueneme City Council took the first step Wednesday toward eliminating a controversial beach view tax by ordering the preparation of a citywide tax district to pay for beach and park maintenance.

Creation of the new district, proposed by a blue-ribbon task force, would merge the city’s beach and park districts and spread the cost of maintaining public facilities across a larger population.

Residents within the existing beach district who have sued the city over what they contend is a tax on their views would save as much as $150 a year in the new district, while other residents would pay an average of $18 a year more.

Councilwoman Toni Young issued a statement before the meeting, questioning the city’s strategy to retain the beach and park districts despite its plan to create a new district. She said the city should eliminate the park and beach districts, otherwise it might be tempted to spend money from the new district on non-park facilities.

“I have a genuine concern that the city will tax and spend the residents out of their homes,” she said.

Councilman Dorill Wright rebuked Young for improperly communicating with council members outside the chambers about her concerns and accused her of challenging the council’s integrity.

City officials said it will take about two months before final plans are prepared and a public hearing is scheduled on the new district.