Pomona : Utility Tax Hike Approved

The Pomona City Council has approved a 57% increase in the utility-tax rate to help meet a $3.9-million projected shortfall in next year’s proposed $37.9-million budget. The increase, which is expected to raise $3.3 million, will boost the tax rate from 7% to 11% for water, gas, electricity and telephone services beginning July 1. The utility tax currently stands at 8%, but is scheduled to automatically return to 7% next year.

The council, faced with what many officials say is the city’s worst financial crisis, is expected to grapple with the remaining shortfall when it meets to adopt the 1986-87 budget next week.