Covina : 6% Utility Tax Approved

Despite a recall campaign, City Council members gave final approval to a new 6% utility tax at Tuesday.

The council voted 3 to 1 to impose the tax on gas, electricity, water and telephone bills of residents and businesses, starting in November. Councilman Robert Biancardi dissented. An absent Frieda Richardson gave her support in a letter.

City officials say the tax is necessary to make up a $2.3-million budget deficit blamed on the recession and state budget cuts. The alternative, they say, is cutbacks in fire and police services, which account for 75% of the city’s nearly $17-million General Fund.

Hank Vogt, leader of Covina Concerned Citizens, said the recall drive after 10 days of circulation has more than 1,000 of the 4,000 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot. The recall effort began Aug. 20 after a preliminary approval of a 9.5% utility tax. Although the council cut the tax to 6% Sept. 1, opponents of the tax have continued the recall effort.