This is the first story of the thrice weekly updated Campus Times online edition. Look for stories every Monday and Wednesday evening including the regular Friday posting of the print edition of Campus Times.
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Steven Falls
Web Editor
With the La Verne city elections just two weeks away, the community faces some difficult decisions, from voting on how to spend their tax dollars to choosing city council members.
One of the decisions local voters will face March 8 is whether to approve the proposed Measure S brought forth by the City of La Verne.
Measure S proposes an increase of the existing utility user’s tax from 4 percent to 6 percent. The revenues from this increase would be used to maintain current levels of public service in La Verne.
La Verne City Manager Martin Lomeli said he believes that Measure S is a great option for the city and its future.
“The measure will offset state takeaway,” Lomeli said. “It will maintain the quality of life and all of the services that we provide.”
Revenues collected by the tax increase would pay the cost of general city operations, police protection, fire services, park maintenance, street lighting and would help subsidize mobile home rent control.
Dan Harden, who is currently running for city council, agrees with Lomeli.
“The state has taken away around $13 million over the last 10 years or so,” Harden said. “If we are going to maintain services in La Verne we are going to have to make up that money and Measure S will do that.”
Although the measure seems to have strong community support, one council member is vying against it.
Steven F. Johnson, who is also a La Verne business owner, said that the proposed tax would not be fair to everyone involved.
“Measure S proposes a split rate of 6 percent, and 3 percent to special interests, and exempts low income residents,” Johnson said. “I believe the 3 percent rate to special interests is unfair.”
These special interests include non-profit organizations, private schools and universities, mobile home parks and senior housing.
Johnson said that he recognizes the value of these special interest groups but wonders how the city can exempt these groups from gas, electrical and phone bills. In place, the city sends out a statement to the non-profits and the schools.
“The statement asks them to total their utilities for the year and mail back the tax,” Johnson said. “In the past five years, the city has never verified or questioned these returns.”
Measure S is expected to be approved when city residents vote on March 8.
Steven Falls, Web Editor for the Campus Times, can be reached at sfalls21@msn.com.