2,066 / 76.86% Yes votes ...... 622 / 23.14% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

The City's budgeted financial statement shows that the Utility Users Tax will generate approximately $600,000.00 this fiscal year. The tax is one of the City's largest revenue sources and amounts to 13% of the total general fund budget. The general fund pays for public services such as police protection, parks and recreation, and certain public works projects.

If approved by a majority of voters, Measure P would confirm and ratify the current 4% residential tax rate and increase the business tax rate to 8%. Eligible senior citizens would continue to be exempt from the tax. Measure P would prohibit any future tax increase without a vote of the people.

If Measure P is defeated at the polls, the City would be forced to cut approximately one million dollars from its yearly general operating fund. Such a cut would significantly affect the City?s ability to provide needed public services, such as police protection, public parks, recreational youth programs, senior citizen programs, and street repairs.

A "YES" vote on Measure P means that you want the Utility Users Tax to continue to be collected and fund certain city services and programs.

A "NO" vote means that you do not want the Utility Users Tax to be collected after November 4, 2004 and that the City must cut back on certain city services and programs.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure P prepared by the City Attorney. If you desire a copy of the measure or the utility user tax ordinance, please call the City Clerk?s Office at 323-773-5143, and a copy will be mailed to you at no cost.

We have tried diligently to remain accountable to you for the resources you have entrusted to us. Our City has received high scores for cost efficiencies and performance. However, the taking of property taxes, cigarette taxes, traffic safety fines and vehicle license fees by the State and their adding of new burdens such as property tax administration and booking fees have created a serious financial strain on our City.

EVERY DOLLAR OF THE UTILITY USERS TAX STAYS IN CUDAHY! This money goes directly into the General Fund to provide you services such as Police, Parks and Recreation, and street repairs. This is not a new tax - you have been paying it since 1991. Without it, City services will be reduced! While Public Safety remains our first priority, it will be difficult to avoid cuts in this area since public safety uses 72 cents out of every tax dollar received.

By voting "Yes," you authorize the continuance of the tax at the same rate of 4% for residential users, which has not changed since 1991. Business users are asked to contribute at the higher rate of 8%. Your taxes could not be increased thereafter except by a vote of the people!

Cudahy's per capita General Fund spending is already lower than most of our surrounding communities. The loss of this tax will just make the situation worse. We need your support because only "Together, We Achieve." Vote "Yes," for your community.

Parks and Recreation Commissioner, Manuel Buenrostro
Public Safety Commissioner, Donald Detwyler
Senior Citizens Commissioner, Dora A. Tolmasoff

(No arguments against Measure P were submitted)