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Published on 09/08/1999 All articles from this issue

City officials begin education campaign to pass utility tax

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

With city elections less than two months from today, Los Altos city officials aim to educate voters on ballot measures. Last Thursday, they appealed to the Rotary Club of Los Altos to get involved.

"My role is to develop information for the residents," said Phil Rose, Los Altos city manager. "Since July, a number of questions regarding the proposed utility users tax increase has surfaced and I hope to address those most frequently asked."

The city is asking voters to approve Measure H on Nov. 2 as an advisory vote for community improvements. The measure requests the utility users tax be increased above 3.5 percent for service improvements in maintenance, recreation and public safety. The second issue, Measure I, will authorize the Los Altos City Council to set the rate of the utility users tax, not to exceed 6.25 percent.

The tax is paid on gas, electric, water, telephone and cable TV bills. Councilman King Lear said the average increase per month per household would be $7, or $8.60 for those who have cellular telephones and subscribe to cable TV.

"The utility users tax was selected as the best alternative for funding because the tax is broad-based," Rose said. "The tax is paid by both businesses and residents and it does not place the burden on any one segment of the community."

Senior citizens over 65, with an income of less than $27,200 per year per household, will be exempt.