Ask voters to expand utility tax to cover all gas usage and industrial users

Police & Community SafetyBudgetResolution

In Plain English

Richmond's utility tax currently exempts some large industrial users and certain types of gas consumption. The proposed ballot measure closes these loopholes so all residents and businesses pay the same tax rate based on actual usage. If approved by voters, the city collects more revenue from utility bills.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

Adopt the resolution with an amendment to the language that reads 'Shall the City of Richmond amend the Utility Users' Tax Ordinance to eliminate the provision that allows large industrial users to pay a lower tax rate and require them to pay the same rate as other tax payers for utility use' and direct the city attorney to capture as much of the statement as legally possible

Passed

6 to 0

BBLGMRRV

Why This Vote Matters

Richmond's council unanimously approved putting a utility tax measure on the ballot that would eliminate special exemptions for large industrial users. The proposal would require all residents and businesses to pay the same utility tax rate based on their actual gas and other utility usage, closing loopholes that currently allow some large industrial users to pay lower rates. If voters approve the measure, the city would collect additional revenue from utility bills. The council also amended the ballot language to clearly state that large industrial users would pay the same rate as other taxpayers for utility use.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

Other motions

Approve Items G-3 and G-4 as two separate ballot measures for the November 2010 election

Failed

Community Discussion

This discussion was submitted to the City Clerk as part of the public record.

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