HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-31 - Resolution No. 15-21 RESOLUTION NO. 15-21
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE YORBA LINDA WATER DISTRICT
IN OPPOSITION TO A PUBLIC GOODS CHARGE ON WATER
WHEREAS, proposals to impose a public goods charge or similar permanent statewide
tax on water could emerge in the near future; and
WHEREAS, a public goods charge or other permanent tax on water bills is not the
appropriate mechanism to fund water solutions or address water quality
and water supply problems faced by some disadvantaged communities;
and
WHEREAS, assessing a public goods charge would unfairly penalize local water
agencies that have already made, and continue to make, investments in
water management programs and infrastructure and would make it more
difficult and costly for local water agencies to fund critical local water
efficiency and supply projects; and
WHEREAS, according to a recent report by the Public Policy Institute of California,
local water agencies are spending more than $25 billion a year on local
water-related programs, projects and infrastructure, and those
investments have prepared them to respond to the current drought and
have shielded the state's economy from the drought's most severe
impacts over the past four years; and
WHEREAS, while there is a clear need to fund sensible long-term solutions and assist
disadvantaged communities that do not have safe drinking water, a tax on
water bills paid by a subset of Californians is not the solution; and
WHEREAS, local water managers are best suited to identify ways to spend locally.-
generated revenues at their respective agencies; an additional tax on
water bills paid in order to send money to Sacramento, where a portion
will be carved out to fund another layer of administration, is not efficient
and is not an appropriate solution or sound policy; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Yorba Linda Water District opposes any
effort by the state Legislature to impose a statewide public goods charge or other tax on
water bills; and
Resolution No. 15-21 Opposing Public Goods Charge on Water 1
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Yorba Linda Water District opposes the use of
the budget trailer bill process or other last-minute attempt to circumvent the appropriate
legislative policy committee process to advance policy issues without full disclosure and
transparency; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to our state
legislative representatives and key members of the Administration.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 31st day of August 2015, by the following called vote:
AYES: Directors Beverage, Hawkins, Kiley and Melton
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Director Collett
ichael J. e, Vice Presid t
Yorba Linda Water District
ATTEST:
1
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Marc Marcantonio, Board Secretary
Yorba Linda Water District vv7 ;' 'a°°�
Reviewed as to form by General Counsel:
-
Arthur v. Kidman, Esq.
Kidman Law LLP
Resolution No. 15-21 Opposing Public Goods Charge on Water 2