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Tempe government parasites will be soon sucking more of our blood!!!!
Tempe voters approve Prop. 401 Posted: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 8:12 pm | Updated: 9:25 pm, Tue May 18, 2010. Hayley Ringle, Tribune Tempe voters resoundingly approved a .2 percent sales tax increase for the next four years, according to unofficial election results from the Maricopa County Recorders Office. Proposition 401 will raise the current city sales tax rate to 2 percent, starting July 1. With 100 percent of poll sites reporting, the measure was approved by 67 percent (17,219 votes), compared to 33 percent (8,674 votes) opposing the tax increase. The tax would not include food purchased for home consumption. The increased tax would raise $8 million for the upcoming fiscal year, and would go toward public safety staffing and city services. Former Tempe Mayor Neil Guiliano, the chair of the Tempe First Committee, said he’s “thankful” the voters are doing the “right thing during this difficult time.” “We’re never happy about having to raise taxes but we’re doing what we need to do,” said Guiliano, who gathered with about 20 supporters Tuesday night. “Tempe voters are highly educated and the support seems to show they understand what everyone is doing. “It’s a very unique time and situation and I think Tempe voters seem to reflect that they understand that,” he added. Supporters say the council has already reduced the budget and this is needed as a temporary increase to help the projected $33.7 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Opponents say taxpayers shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of the city’s budget shortfall. Residents can go online to see the pages of cuts the city has already identified, including eliminating positions, reducing department budgets and increasing fees. Firefighters and police officers are also voluntarily taking a 2 percent pay cut for the next fiscal year. PROPOSITION 401 (100 percent of precints reporting) Yes -- 17,219 (67 percent) No -- 8,674 (33 percent)
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