November 2009

November 2009 Election

Measures S and Y

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Measures S & Y

 

 

Measures S and Y

 

Para información en español, click here. Para sa kaalaman sa Tagalog, click here.  For Korean, click here for page 1, and here for page 2.

 

Q:          What is Measures S?

A:          Measure S is a measure proposing to increase the hotel tax (transient occupancy tax), from 6% to 12.5%.  The hotel tax is a tax paid ONLY by hotel guests. Hotel visitors pay this tax when they stay at a local Artesia hotel. Artesia residents, homeowners or property owners who are not hotel guests, are NOT taxed. First enacted in 1976, Artesia’s hotel tax has remained the same for 33 years and has never been increased.

 

Q:          What is Measure Y?

A:          Measure Y is a measure proposing to increase the tax paid ONLY by businesses to obtain a business license from the city. Artesia residents, homeowners or property owners who do not need to obtain a business license in the City, are NOT taxed. It has been 19 years since business license rates were updated, which are based on grouping different types of industries into different rate categories. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous changes in business types and industries. Measure Y also updates our outdated business license ordinance to ensure that all business types are properly classified.

 

Q:          Why do we need Measures S & Y?

A:          Both the hotel tax and business license taxes are outdated. Also, the economic downturn and Sacramento money grabs mean the City of Artesia needs additional funding to meet the community’s needs. The City has already been forced to utilize its emergency reserve funds to continue providing general services to the public. By generating additional funding without taxing residents or property owners, Measures S & Y can help to prevent additional use of these limited emergency reserves, and cuts to general city services.

How do Measures S & Y affect community services?

A:          Measures S & Y’s revenue will be locally controlled, as this funding is legally required to be spent for the benefit of Artesia residents, and cannot be taken by Sacramento.  Revenue generated can fund general city services, including:

Q:          Why act now?

A:          As much as $1,000,000 has already been taken, or is in jeopardy of being taken, from the City of Artesia by Sacramento. Measures S & Y update local revenue sources for Artesia City services that can’t be taken by Sacramento, giving our City local control in protecting general City services.

 

Q:          How do we know that funds will be spent responsibly?

A:          All revenues from Measures S & Y are subject to annual, independent audits of City funds and expenditures. The public will continue to review all city budget expenditures to monitor spending and keep the City accountable for how funds are spent.

 

Q:          What are the effects of Measures S and Y on local businesses & hotels?

A:          Measures S and Y will increase taxes upon local businesses and hotels. 

 

Q:          When is the election?

A:          November 3, 2009. Click here to register to vote with the Los Angeles County Registrar.

 

Q:          How can I get more information?

A:          Click the links below to view official Measure S and Y voter handbook materials: