Update on the existing business utilities tax (because without a vote, they can).
"Any business located in Pacifica, which has an annual PG&E bill of $7,500 or more, can save on the City's 6.5 percent Utility Users Tax by paying a $500 lump sum to the City by June 3, 2011. That business service address will then be exempted from any additional Utility Users' Tax for the 2011-2012 tax year.
The ordinance authorizing the tax provides for a maximum charge of $500 per business service address. To take advantage of this provision, the appropriate exemption form must be submitted to the City's Finance Department by 1:30pm on June 3. Applications for Exemption from Business Utility Users' Tax are available at the City Finance Department, City Hall, 170 Santa Maria Avenue, or by calling 738-7392. "
Posted by Kathy Meeh
17 comments:
Kathy,
This "cap" has been in place for a long time. It means that no business need pay more than $500 for the city tax that appears on our PG&E bills.
Presumably, PG&E can't shut it off at $500, so pay it direct to the city and get taken off the tax roll completely for that year. If the tax must exist at all, then having a cap of $500 seems fair to me.
Laurie (718), oh, this is an old utilities tax on businesses? Okay I'll change the post, but leave the buzzard.
There is a new utilities tax coming to residents, do you know when that happens then?
The [new] utility tax is really a change to the existing utility tax. Some existing taxes would be lowered while new taxes would be added like cell phone and internet service. Since it would be a change to an existing tax it would only need 50%+1 vote to pass not the 66% a new tax would need. I am not sure this tax will move forward City Council is gun shy since the sales tax and fire assessment failed by such big margins. If they bring it forward look for it to be on the election ballot in 2012.
Tom (819), some confusion. My understanding from city council meeting conversations was that the city could add a utility tax without a vote. I could be wrong.
Regardless I'm keeping the buzzard on this post. Weighting down small, mostly fragile business with additional fees and taxes is regressive and contributes to potential economic decay.
Kathy
wrong never, mistaken maybe. I am pretty sure that any changes to a city tax has to go to the voters
It's not just a tax on businesses, Kathy (@7:33), it's levied on all PG&E users within the city of Pacifica, based on usage. Check your PG&E bill.
I've heard of a new utilities tax that has been proposed, but have no details.
hey clifford: check with mayor and or city hall monday and report back.
stop guessing.
hey Anonymous, anyone one of us could check with city hall any time next week, including you or me. meantime someone may have additional clarification. stop giving orders to others, particularly those recovering from a health issue. (sorry to put it that way, but really).
From the Financing City Services Task Force final report
Restructuring the utility users tax to lower the 6.5% (electric and gas) and add telecommunications to the tax.
Revised Utility Users Tax (UUT)
Election of November 2012, estimated 3-year revenue of $2,000,000.00
Anonymous; My guesses are better then most peoples "facts". and your welcome.
Kathy thanks for having my back. I appreciate the concern for my health. I am well on the road to recovery an hope to be able to whip my weight in Bobcats soon.
"...hope to be able to whip my weight in Bobcats soon." Godspeed!
Okay, election 2012, and information in the City Financial Taskforce final report. Thank you. I think having a public forum is a great benefit to all of us, and appreciate your contribution (including under your own, real, authentic name).
The telecommunications aspect of the utility user's tax would be important to the city because it is exempt from Prop 218.
One election would be all they would need to win and it's there forever. Somehow I don't think it would pass muster with the public. They're busy paying for gold-plated recycling bins.
Since Lionel brought up the Garbage Rates Just a reminder C.C. will be voted on the 8% rate increase tonight If you wish to protest this increase but haven't yet, this is your last chance.
drop off protest letters at City hall until 5:00 P.M. or drop them off before the end of the hearing tonight at beach blvd. No e-mails they don't count.
I wonder if P.G.& E. users energy usage has decreased significantly. I know I have been working diligently to lower my private residence energy bill, and receive notification from P.G & E., in the form of a discount. A lower energy bill for private residence and business is a good thing, right? and less tax revenue for the city , right? I guess my question is; does the city receive less tax revenue from pg&e users lower energy bills? and, with business closing their doors left and right and home foreclosures (no one living in the house, so low energy bill) less money for pg&e and less tax revenue for the city. Lots more of this to come. Time for the city to stop raping and pilaging those who are left to pay the bills. Tell City Council to remove regulations and permits for business and private residence. This will put more money in everyone's pocket ( its really their money they get to keep) is a postive for anyone contemplating looking to move their home and business- may come to Pacifica for a big saving. More money in my pocket means I will spend more. Seems like as soon as government sees that you are saving money, and saving money means you have more money, they will find a way to take it from you.
anon@1056 You say "Tell City Council to remove regulations and permits for business and private residence." That's a real attention getting statement. It has a real crowd pleasing ring to it. But what are you talking about? Any concrete examples or real proof of the need or benefit to this? How would this work? Free what, exactly? Just wondering.
Anon (1056) whether you decrease your PG&E bill due to your own conservation is up to you.
Then, you switched the issue to: "Tell City Council to remove regulations and permits for business and private residence." Really, all regulations? Switch again: "This will put more money in everyone's pocket..." How does that work?
Isn't this just reverse Robin Hood "give to the rich and take from the poor" philosophy? In modern times at the core of this political movement is a modified version of Any Rand political/social philosophy. (The 1959 video with Mike Wallace part 1 is 9 minutes).
The utility user's tax is 6.5 percent.
You pay for what you use, period.
Less is more.
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