Westminster is engaged in Corporate Welfare

By Bob Crossley

Westminster engages in CORPORATE WELFARE in at least two areas: (1) water rate; (2) retail rental.

Prior to December 2001, all water users paid the same $1.52 per CCF for water (water is measured in hundred cubic foot or CCF units, one CCF equals 748 gals). After December 2001 single-family residents paid; $.70 per CCF for each of the first 14 CCF's, $1.30 for each of the second CCF's and, $2.27 for each CCF over 28.

To put this in perspective, 11 CCF's is considered the minimum necessary for health and sanitation; the average single-family residence uses 30 CCF. All of these CCF numbers are for a two month period because the City bills for water every other month.

However, before December 2001 businesses, like everyone else, paid $1.52 per CCF, after December 2001 businesses paid only $1.30 per CCF. The City says the rate change is "revenue neutral." That is, the City is collecting the same amount of money as it collected before the change. If revenue is the same with single-family residents are paying more and businesses paying less, then residents must be subsidizing businesses; CORPORATE WELFARE.

RETAIL RENTAL

When asked about an item in the City budget, Westminster's Mayor explained that it was to send a delegation to a trade show in Las Vegas for the purpose of encouraging retailers to locate in the vacant stores in Westminster. Any success they have in filling these vacancies will result in more sales tax revenue for the City. That's the explanation.

Why is the City in the business of going to Las Vegas to shill for owners of vacant retail space in Westminster? Let those who own that space go to Las Vegas and recruit their own tenants. Westminster should not be in the CORPORATE WELFARE business.