Local News in Brief : Tax Devoted to Right of Way

As another step toward ensuring that funds will be available for the purchase of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe right of way, the Hermosa Beach City Council adopted a resolution saying that an increase in the utility users’ tax will be used solely for that purpose. Voters last November approved an increase from 6% to 10%, effective March 1, after city officials promised to use the money to buy the 20-acre greenbelt for a park. But the issue was placed on the ballot only as a general tax, meaning the council can spend the money as it wants.

Council members previously decided to place a measure on the June 7 ballot to require that the money generated by the tax increase be used only for the right-of-way purchase. The city is negotiating with the railroad company.