Health & Fitness
Blog: About the State of the City...
What is the State of Sierra Madre? Chris Koerber shares his take on the Mayor's address.
On Monday, February 27, I attended Mayor Buchanan’s “State of the City” address. He thanked the many community and volunteer groups that help to preserve Sierra Madre, and then said, “The state of Sierra Madre is good. But we are sailing into some strong headwinds.” Throughout the rest of his address, Mayor Buchanan urged the crowd to vote “yes” on Measure 12-1.
Life in Sierra Madre is indeed good.
But if I were to choose a phrase to describe the “State of the City,” as put forth in the mayor’s speech, I would choose taxing.
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Let me explain.
Measure 12-1, the Utility User “UUT” Tax issue on the April 10, 2012 ballot, has been called a “tax extension.”
Find out what's happening in Sierra Madrewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
In fact, it is a tax increase. A “Yes” vote on measure 12-1 will allow a top UUT tax rate of 12% (a full 20% increase from the current 10% rate) starting July 1, 2013 and continuing through June 30, 2018 – unless City Council lowers the rate. However, with natural increases in utility prices, revenues from the UUT will continue to grow – even at the current rate of 10%. An increase to 12% only takes more money out of your pocket.
Sierra Madreans are on a fixed income or working a job without a raise for the last few years. As one Canyon resident shared with me, “I haven’t had a raise in 5 years. If you raise my taxes, what bill don’t you want me to pay? I don’t have anything left!”
Finally, there is no reason to push through the UUT tax hike now. The city certainly does have some challenges to meet. However, I believe these challenges can be met without an unnecessary tax increase. Under the current law, the rate won’t drop below 10% until June 30, 2015 – that’s three full years from today!
You and your household are on a tight budget – shouldn’t your city live within its means as well?
To learn more about my campaign, please go to ChrisForSierraMadre.com.
Respectfully yours,
Chris Koerber
Candidate for Sierra Madre City Council – 2 Year Term
Upcoming events – Click here for the full calendar
Sunday, March 11: VFW Candidate Forum
Tuesday, March 13: Kiwanis Candidates Forum
Wednesday, March 14: League of Women Voters - Meet the Candidates
Thursday, March 15: Women’s Club Candidate Mixer with Sierra Madre Chamber