Pass: 4837 / 74.7% Yes votes ...... 1635 / 25.3% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Official Sources of Information

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Background. The UUT is levied on utility users in the City. Since 1969 the City has imposed the UUT on telephone service. The current rate of the UUT is 4.75%. Measure A will not increase the tax rate. UUT revenues are paid into the City's general fund to finance such services as 911 response, police, fire, paramedics, street repairs, parks, libraries, and local ocean and beach pollution control programs.

The City's UUT ordinance, like those of most California cities with telephone UUTs, referred to federal law definitions to describe the telephone services covered by the UUT. These definitions have been changed by the federal government and no longer reflect the City's original intent.

In addition, telephone technology has changed greatly. Telephone companies have introduced cell phone service and many other new services and features. It is expected that telephone companies will continue to develop new forms of telecommunications technology in the future.

The Measure. The measure would replace older definitions to address new technologies and to treat all phone customers the same for local tax purposes, whether they use traditional wireline phones, cell phones, or some new form of telephone service invented in the future.

Measure A would not apply to internet access charges or internet content such as DSL internet connection fees, internet streamlining of broadcast audio and video and digital downloads of books, music, ringtones, games and similar digital products.

Measure A does not increase the current UUT rate of 4.75%. If it is approved the UUT would apply to all telephone services regardless of the technology used. Voter approval is required for any future increase in the rate or the scope of services subject to the UUT.

Measure A maintains existing exemptions for low-income seniors and disabled persons.

Measure A also requires annual audits to confirm the tax is properly collected and spent according to the requirements of Measure A and other laws. Audit reports will be available to the public.

Measure A requires approval of a majority of voters. A "yes" vote for Measure A is a vote in favor of adopting the amended UUT ordinance. A "no" vote against Measure A will reject the proposed amendments to the UUT Ordinance, and continue the UUT in its present form.

Arguments Submitted

Full Text of Argument In Favor

City of Redondo Beach