Wan Response to Users’ Tax

Rolling Hills Estates residents expressed little interest Tuesday in supporting a 5% utility users’ tax to purchase undeveloped land that would be retained as open space.

The City Council is considering whether to place the tax measure on the November ballot, but only six residents addressed the council Tuesday, at the first of two public hearings on the matter. All spoke in favor of retaining open space, but only two said they were willing to pay for its preservation with a utility users’ tax.

The idea was proposed by a blue-ribbon committee organized in May at the council’s request to examine options for purchasing undeveloped land in the city. The committee said the tax, lasting five or 10 years, should be put on the ballot if there is public support for it. The measure would require approval by two-thirds of the voters to become law.

The proposal stems from controversy two years ago over the closed Dapplegray Intermediate School. Some residents criticized the council for not moving to acquire the site, which has an estimated market value of $5 million. The council said the city could not afford it.