Ask voters to expand utility tax to cover all gas usage and industrial users
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
6 to 0
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
FailedSimilar Discussions
5 related items found by meaning
Draft ballot language to eliminate utility tax cap for large users
Submit ballot measure requiring all utility users pay tax based on actual usage
Submit utility tax law changes to voters in November election
Remove cap on utility tax through ballot measure
Direct staff to put utility tax extension on February 2008 ballot
The Story So Far
10 prior discussions on this topic
Contract with Health Management Association, Inc. to Conduct an Assessment of Richmond’s Mental Health and Trauma-Response Services
Accept the 2026-2029 California Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant and Contract with RPAL and Evident Change for Program Services and Evaluation
Construction Agreement Amendments and Accept the Shields-Reid Park Field for the Soccer Fields-Restrooms-Parks Project
Legal Services Agreement Amendment No. 4 with Liebert Cassidy Whitmore for Labor and Employment Matters
Freeway Maintenance Agreement Amendment with California Department of Transportation at the intersection of Central Ave and I-80 (“Caltrans”).
Contract with SCI Consulting Group for Ballot Measure Feasibility, Strategic Communications, and Public Opinion, and Public Outreach
Appointment of Courtney Bulletti to the Human Relations Commission
Ordinance Modifying Chapter 12.19 of the Richmond Municipal Code entitled “Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems.”)
Grade Crossing Construction and Maintenance Agreement with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) for the Harbour Way South and Wright Avenue Crossing
Contract with FBD Vanguard Construction, Inc. for the Richmond Art and Lighting Safety and Accessibility Improvements Project