Members of the Huntington Park General Employees Association display signs in support of Measure E, a two-percent utility tax hike on the Nov. 3 ballot, after comments by their president, Claude Bilodeau, at the Oct. 5 City Council meeting. (Photo by Arnold Adler)
Story Created:
Oct 15, 2009 at 11:14 AM PST
Story Updated:
Oct 15, 2009 at 11:14 AM PST
HUNTINGTON PARK — Several residents Sept. 21 voiced opposition to the city’s two percent utility tax increase, but on Oct. 5 a number of supporters came forward, including one of the protesters who sought more information.
Voters Nov. 3 will vote on Measure E, which would increase the utility tax from the current 6.75 percent to 8.75 percent, an average increase of $3 a month, City Manager Greg Korduner said.
If approved by voters, the utility tax on monthly electricity, natural gas, telephones and water bills would generate about $2 million a year. That would cover the city’s estimated budget deficit and avoid layoffs and decreased service, Korduner said.
Claude Bilodeau, president of the Huntington Park General Employees Association, spoke in support of the tax hike, before the City Council Oct. 5, noting the accomplishments of the city and its employees and the severe impact cuts in service would have on residents.
He noted that private contractors for trash pickup, landscaping and tree trimming, street sweeping, water department operations and building department and janitorial services have already taken some 60 potential jobs from city employees.
“The city just recently cut $2 million from this year’s budget,” Bilodeau said. “Salary cuts and layoffs are not the answer. Even if we were to lay off the entire city yard and parks and recreation staffs, it would not cover the shortfall.”
He listed youth and senior programs, remodeled buildings, crime reduction in the city, the neighborhood improvement program and other accomplishments of the public works, parks and recreation and police departments.
“These are just some of the services city employees provide. The city is safe and clean again,” said Bilodeau, inferring that all those accomplishments would be undermined by staff cutbacks.
“We have [a total of] 100 years of service in the city yard. This is our home. Pass Measure E to preserve the quality of life and employment,” he urged voters.
Also supporting the measure were Enrique Murillo, an official with the Huntington Park chapter of the American Association of Retired People, who said he would like to see the city fund the construction of a new center for senior citizens only; Nick Ioannidis, a local tailor; and George Cole, head of the Huntington Park-based Oldtimers Foundation and a former councilman in Bell, where he noted there is a 10 percent utility tax.
Alex Young, a volunteer with the Salvation Army in Huntington Park, who spoke against the tax hike Sept. 21, said Oct. 5 he had since learned of some of the needs in the city and wanted more information.
City officials said a number of town hall meetings are being planned to inform residents of the need for the tax hike.
“We need to take steps to make sure Huntington Park has the money to continue the services residents deserve,” Mayor Mario Gomez said.
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