by Timothy Rutt
Supv. Michael D. Antonovich is warning county residents not to throw away a county mailing that "looks like junk mail," but use it to protest a proposed parcel tax increase.
The mailer, headlined "Los Angeles County clean water, clean beaches measure" outlines a plan to improve water quality by controlling storm and urban runoff.
It proposes to fund the plan by imposing a parcel tax on every property in Los Angeles County, to be added to the annual property tax bill. On back of the flyer is a form to fill out to protest the measure, which is to be heard by the Board of Supervisors on Jan. 15, 2013.
Antonovich's office sent out a press release stating, “While the mailing looks like junk mail, it is an important document that allows one to protest the proposed parcel tax ... It is vital that property owners return the protest form to stop this additional tax,” he added. “Property owners, schools and businesses already pay flood control taxes and now they are being asked to fork over more money at a time when families are struggling, schools are hurting and businesses are fleeing the state.”
The release says that "Residents have until January 15 to file their objection by returning their protest form or protesting at the public hearing on January 15, 2013 at 9:30 AM in the Hearing Room of the Board of Supervisors at the Hall of Administration. If a majority of the property owners do not object, the Board of Supervisors can approve a mail-in-ballot to be sent to all property owners in March. Passage requires only a simple majority."
If you have misplaced this mailer, please call (800) 218-0018 or email water.info@dpw.lacounty.gov.