Politics & Government

Pinole Utility Tax Measure Takes Shape at Proposed Eight Percent Rate

Pinole City Manager Belinda Espinosa will propose renewing the city's existing utility user tax at the current rate of 8 percent, extending it for eight years.

Although specific ballot language won't be determined until July, it appears that the Pinole City Council likely will consider an extension of the existing utility tax at its current rate of 8 percent. The tax, which captures about $2 million a year, represents about 20 percent of general fund revenue.

City Manager Belinda Espinosa recommended at Tuesday night's council meeting that the council place a measure for the tax extension on the November ballot for the full 8 percent.

Without the extension, she said, the city would lose two or three firefighters, four or five police officers, two or three maintenance workers, the position of assistant city manager and other cuts The tax is due to expire at the end of the year unless voters extend it.

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The council will take up the issue again at its June 19 meeting, with a formal adoption scheduled for July 3. Espinosa said she could hold one or more public informational meetings before June 19 to hear from residents on the issue if directed by the council.

While its possible that the council could propose a rate of lower than 8 percent, Espinosa warned that the loss of each one percent, the lost revenue would equal $250,000. If voters reject measure the city it would "jeopardize our ability to provide service to this community," she said.

Find out what's happening in Pinole-Herculeswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mayor Pete Murray said he has heard from a small number of people that a reduction in the tax rate should be considered.

Espinosa said city staff would be available to host meetings with civic clubs and other organizations in an education campaign for the measure.

In April the council unanimously rejected a city staff proposal to hire a polling firm to gauge public opinion on the issue.

Several residents spoke at Tuesday's meeting in favor of the tax and there was plenty of discussion about a public education campaign to advocate for the measure.

"I want public safety," resident Marcia Kalapus said. "The best way to sell this is door-to-door, put the information out there. I disagree with the folks who are saying go below 8 percent. Four percent won't do."

Former Pinole City Council member Mary Horton advocated the levy, which is charged on phone and PG&E bills, at the current level.

"It is the only tax on the November ballot that I will vote for," Horton said. "For 95 cents per day per household, I think it's worth it."

The city website has information about the tax and the city budget, including a list of answers to frequently asked questions.


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