Oro Valley's Proposed Utility Tax Is A Major Contradiction

Talk about a contradiction, what do you think of Oro Valley's proposed Utility Tax?

In 2007, Oro Valley Council initiated a 2% Utility Tax in order to fund 18.5 new positions.

In 2011, Oro Valley Council proposes a 4% Utility Tax although 40 positions have been eliminated over the last two fiscal years.


Excerpt from the Az Star Dec. 14, 2006--

Utility tax to finance new OV staff positions.

The council voted 4-3 to impose a 2 percent utility tax and amend the current budget to include the 18.5 staff positions, which were formerly excluded due to lack of funds. The new tax will become effective April 1, 2007, and remain in place until April 1, 2009.


Excerpt from Oro Valley agenda for May 4, 2011 meeting---

From Stacy Lemos Finance Dep't

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
"Staffing levels have been reduced by over 40 positions, or 13%, during that time-frame." (FY 2011/12)


This begs the question:

If the original 2% Utility Tax was for the hiring of 18.5 new employees, 13 of which were in the police department, and Oro Valley eliminated 40 positions in the last two fiscal years, WHY IN THE WORLD DO WE NEED AN INCREASED UTILITY TAX AND NOT THE ELIMINATION OF THE ORIGINAL TAX THAT WAS TO BE FOR ONLY TWO YEARS?

We can expect our detractors to tell us it's because of other issues, like less building permits & less state shared revenue.Let's call "a spade,a spade." This proposed tax is a major contradiction.

Steve Solomon AKA "The Appointed One" Says Doubling The Utility Tax Is Like Buying A "Starbucks Coffee"

It probably won't do any good, because "The Appointed One" will have enough of the others on the Oro Valley Council vote "Yes" for doubling the tax on our gas, water & electric bills, but this item is scheduled for a vote at the May 4 council meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE NO. (O)11-14, AMENDING THE TAX CODE OF THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY, ARTICLE IV, CHAPTER 8A, SECTION 480,
RELATING TO THE UTILITY SERVICES TAX RATE


NOTE:
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of Ordinance No. (O)11-14, increasing the utility sales tax rate to 4% (current rate is 2%) to enhance the diversity and stability of Town revenues and to provide needed resources to maintain Town service levels.

"Staff" does not note that by taxing the citizens, we can expect "staff" will be better positioned to get a raise.

PLEASE: Pay attention to which, if any on the council join with Bill Garner to vote "NO" on this tax.

Keep in mind two things:

1) This tax was passed in 2007 as a "one time" tax to subsidize the hiring of more Oro Valley cops----like we need more cops!

2) This tax is now going to be 4% on our already inflated bills for our necessities: water, gas & electricity.

Perhaps those that buy Starbucks will have to do with one less latte. For the majority of us, that don't buy lattes, you'll just have less money to squander away on food, gas & medicine!