Measure Seeks Change in City Water Billing

The People’s Choice

Five Garden Grove measures on the March 26 ballot deal with issues ranging from term limits to business license taxes. The proposals are:

MEASURE Z

* Details: Would limit City Council members to two consecutive four-year terms and mayor to four consecutive two-year terms. Intended to discourage long tenure in office. Recent change in state law permits general-law cities to enact term-limit legislation with voter approval.

* Argument for: Would reinvigorate government and reduce potential influence of special interests.

* Argument against: Would block voters from reelecting popular, effective leaders.

MEASURE AA

* Details: Seeks approval for a tax increase on city hotel/motel guest bills. Increase was adopted by City Council earlier, but might require ratification by voters, according to a recent court ruling.

* Argument for: Voter approval would not create a tax, merely confirm existing levy.

* Argument against: Increase would discourage visitors from staying in Garden Grove.

MEASURE BB

* Details: Seeks approval to continue business-license tax system, which assesses businesses on gross receipts rather than charging flat rate. Recent court ruling may require voter ratification.

* Argument for: Would not change way businesses now pay; protects existing revenue source.

* Argument against: Such taxes discourage businesses from locating in Garden Grove.

MEASURE CC

* Details: Seeks to restructure water billing system. Would base rates strictly on volume used, eliminate other fees such as installation charges.

* Argument for: Would reduce water rates for majority of users.

* Argument against: Would disrupt water department by eliminating financial reserves.

MEASURE DD

* Details: Would maintain existing water-billing system. City would continue to charge water department $1.35 million per year for expenses.

* Argument for: Existing system works well and saves users money.

* Argument against: Users’ water payments now go for some services not related to water consumption.

Source: City of Garden Grove, ballot arguments; Researched by SARAH A. KLEIN / For The Times