The City of Union City is working on getting a Utility User Tax measure extension on this November’s ballot. The council decided to move forward with a 5% tax with no increase.
The city has a utility tax that will end in December 2028. A utility tax can be applied to gas, electric, cell phone, cable and internet bills.
Godbe Research presented the results of a voter survey on the tax measure at the March 10 city council meeting. The online and phone survey taken by 468 residents took about 25 minutes to complete.
Residents were asked about their priorities when it comes to city funds. The top priorities were 911 emergency response, paramedic and fire protection services. Residents were asked several times about the utility tax, including a possible 2.5% tax increase, an eight-year extension and an “until ended by voters” extension.
Bryan Godbe from Godbe Research said the “until ended by voters” wording received a positive reaction because voters feel they have more control on when a tax would end.
The city is still deciding on how much longer the future utility tax would be. Union City doesn’t have a budget deficit, but is anticipating one after 2029. City staff said they are making plans now to avoid a “fiscal cliff.”
