Pass: 2279 / 60.1% Yes votes ...... 1514 / 39.9% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Impartial Analysis from City Attorney

Measure DD proposes adopting an ordinance that would amend the existing telephone utility user tax with an updated communications tax.

The utility users tax (or "UUT") was first adopted in 1983 and last amended in 1995. It is imposed on all persons using electricity, telephone, and gas. Measure DD would only affect the telephone tax of the UUT; it does not affect the existing UUT applied to electrical or gas services. Currently, the rate for the telephone tax is three percent (3%) for residential users and fi ve and one-half percent (5.5%) for commercial users. Measure DD would not increase these tax rates. Revenues from this telephone tax + approximately $1.1 million in fiscal year 2011 to 2012 + can only be used for the City's general governmental purposes. The tax cannot be increased in the future without voter approval.

Significant technological advances since 1995 rendered the telephone tax less effective in taxing technology that has replaced the telephone; the tax is currently not imposed on communication services and devices that have increased in usage since 1995. Measure DD would revise the existing UUT and make the taxing defi nitions consistent with Internal Revenue Code regulations. Unless precluded by federal statute, Measure DD would also update the existing UUT to apply the telephone tax to all types of communication services. A federal statute currently prohibits local taxation of internet and broadband services providing access to the internet. Measure DD would not apply to digital downloads such as music, games and ringtones.

To be adopted, Measure DD must be approved by a simple majority of the voters in the city of Monterey Park.

A "yes" vote on Measure DD favors the Measure.

A "no" vote on Measure DD opposes the Measure.