LANCASTER : Flood Control Tax Put on June Ballot

Lancaster residents in June will be asked to approve an annual tax of $25 per house to pay for flood control projects that city officials promise will prevent severe flooding such as occurred last month.

The City Council voted 5 to 0 Monday night to place the measure on the June 2 ballot after watching a videotape of residents paddling down flooded streets in inflatable rafts during last month’s heavy rains. The measure will require a majority vote to pass.

The proposed tax would be levied on all privately owned property in the city. In addition to the per-house charge, undeveloped land would be assessed $12.50 per acre each year. Apartment and condominium projects would pay $262.50 per acre. Commercial and industrial projects would pay $345 per acre.