By Rico Dizon
The expected presentation of documents on a proposed ballot measure to modify and increase the business license tax in Artesia during the City Council meeting was adjourned to July 23at 6:00 p.m..
Pending completion of the documents, Mayor Pro Tem Sally Flowers moved that introduction and discussion of the documents be adjourned to July 23. Flowers said adjustment on the business license tax had not been done for 22 years. She urged residents to look at the rates and wordings associated with the proposed measure
come the next meeting. Minutes will be available by July 25 thru the City Clerk
Office.
City Attorney Kevin Ennis clarified that only businesses earning more than $150,000 a year will be covered by the proposed license rate increase. Ennis said that Resolution 12-2349 ordering a proposed ballot measure to this effect shall be submitted to the voters of the city for consolidation in the statewide general elections on Nov. 6. The city attorney is also directed to prepare an impartial analysis regarding the former measure that will be presented to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors no later than Aug. 10, 2012 explained Deputy City Manager Justine Menzel, during a telephone interview.
When asked how much the proposed rate hike was, she said, “that remains to be seen in next meeting.” In addition, the city of Artesia is supposed to make a request to the County Registrar of Voters to perform related services in connection with the consolidated election.
On June 11, the council directed staff to commence the process of preparing adjustments to the City’s business license ordinance and to prepare to have those adjustments submitted to the voters at the Nov. 6 election. On July 2, an Ad Hoc Committee comprised of Council Member Miguel Canales and Mayor Pro Tem Sally Flowers met with City Manager Maria Dadian, Deputy City Manager Menzel, Administrative Services Manager Pradeep Elayath, and City Attorney Ennis to review a draft of the proposed ordinance which according to reports had undergone numerous changes.
