PUBLIC COMMENT 01
From: Verizon email
To: Public Comment
Subject: City Council Meeting 06/24/24 - Public Comments Date: Sunday, June 23, 2024 8:18:36 PM
Dear Mayor Beaver and members of the City Council,
Firstly, I want to thank the city for your efforts to engage Yucaipa residents in addressing the significant deficit our city is facing. This outreach is crucial, especially in light of the prevailing distrust and lack of confidence towards local and broader government entities.
I was very disappointed by the low attendance at the recent Special City Council meeting on June 17th. It was a missed opportunity for residents to educate themselves about our city's financial challenges. Through discussions on Nextdoor regarding the city's deficit, I have observed many community members who, despite being ill-informed, feel confident in their opinions about the best ways to allocate our tax dollars. Many comments focused on minor complaints rather than addressing the broader issue, reminiscent of the sensationalized headlines often seen in the media. There was a clear abundance of misinformation, frustration, and anger in the responses. It is evident that you face an uphill battle in addressing these concerns.
Secondly, after thoroughly reviewing the list of potential financial solutions on the city's website, conducting a vast amount of my own research, and speaking personally with Chris Mann, Phillip White, and others at the city, I have reluctantly concluded that increasing the sales tax may be the most viable path to restoring Yucaipa's financial fitness. Unlike measures that target specific groups, teens, children, seniors, community services and essential services, raising the sales tax spreads the financial responsibility across all residents and visitors who contribute to our economy by shopping and dining or attending our many city events. And unlike other cities, Beaumont or Redlands for example, we do not have the luxury of sales taxes from big box stores and other large commercial development.
While city employees may not favor this suggestion, asking all segments of our community to make sacrifices to alleviate the deficit should also apply to city employees as well. Perhaps holding off on salary and benefits increases until the city is financially able to sustain an increase in wages. This approach will demonstrate a shared commitment to fiscal responsibility, fairness, and good faith.
I dislike taxes as much as anyone and believe that overspending and revenue miscalculations have occurred at every level of government. An increase in sales tax will affect my own finances and those of all Yucaipa residents. However, I believe it is a necessary evil to maintain our city's services and quality of life. Yucaipa is a unique town and hopefully the city and Yucaipa's residents will work together to maintain our level of safety and security so we can all enjoy this wonderful town we live in.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Petice Huntington
PUBLIC COMMENT 02
From: Johnson, Jeffrey
To: Public Comment
Subject: Item 16 for June 24 agenda (franchise fee increase) Date: Monday, June 24, 2024 2:33:26 PM
My name is Jeff Johnson, I live at , where I have for the last 22 years. Please do NOT support this proposal to increase the franchise fee from 10% to 20%. This is just another attempt at a money grab by city staff. I have seen (I don't have the document) from a city representative stating the money has gone for road maintenance since these trucks are heavy. I would like to know how much money was spent last year maintaining our streets which was generated from this? I am betting not much, if any. This hauler pays registration fees to the state and the state dispenses some to this city for that reason. In addition there is likely a gas tax of some sort as well.
I did see the city is having some financial issues, this appears just to be another money generator to help fill that gap. I don't recall seeing this as an option listed on the budget tool the city has created and circulated to its residents.
Please vote no on this. I understand the hauler has the right to pursue annual CPI. It appears they are forgoing that for residential, yet seeking an increase in this fashion, so actually the only increase they get is for commercial accounts.
Do not continue to bleed out the residents in our community.
Respectfully,
Jeff Johnson
Confidentiality Disclaimer
This email is confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure.
If you are not the author's intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error please delete all copies, both electronic and printed, and contact the author immediately.
County of Riverside California