Revenue Stream Follows Easiest Course

Re “Chalk One Up to Advisory Panels,” May 12: The City Council approved an 11% increase in water rates instead of 18% for the Department of Water and Power. Great news! But wait, we are told that city officials managed to find $9 million from the DWP to add to city coffers (“Panel OKs Hahn’s Budget,” May 12). So the city is getting creative in putting the squeeze on taxpayers without appearing to raise taxes. What’s the matter? Have they run out of taxes and fees to raise?

Dorothy Garven

Los Angeles