COVINA : Council Votes Tax Similar to One That Led to Ousters

Last year, Covina voters recalled the entire City Council for passing a 6% utility tax and replaced it with an anti-tax council.

But this week, the new council voted 4 to 1 for an 8.25% utility tax, saying that without a tax, the city’s $2.3-million budget shortfall would require closing the library, parks and recreation department and a fire station, and the layoff of 77 city workers.

We were right two years ago,” said former Councilman Chris Lancaster, who was among the five recalled in July, 1993. The earlier 6% tax had been allowed to expire in October, 1993. “I guess when you recall a City Council and put in a new one, you get an extra 2.25% utility tax.”

The tax, which will remain in place for five years, is expected to be about $185 a year for an average household, or the equivalent of one month’s utility bill, City Manager Fran Delach said. The 6% tax proposed last year would have cost an average of $151 per household, or $12.60 per month, according to city officials.