BELLFLOWER : Split Council Renews Tax on Utility Users
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A 5% utility users tax on residents and businesses will remain in effect for another year, a divided City Council has decided.
The tax was renewed by the council last week on a 3-2 vote, the same margin as when it was initially approved in November, 1993. In both instances, Mayor Ken Cleveland and Councilmen Randy Bomgaars and Ray T. Smith voted in favor while Ruth A. Gilson and Art Olivier dissented.
Although the tax has widespread support in the community, it should be put to a vote of the people, Gilson said last week. “If it went to a vote, it would probably pass,” she said. “But at least the people would have an opportunity to decide.”
Cleveland said a special election would be a waste of money. “I see no reason to spend $30,000 or $40,000 to do an election,” he said. “The majority of the people who spoke at our public hearing supported it.”
The tax is expected to generate an estimated $2.5 million in fiscal 1994-95.
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