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Possible Street User Fee Changes
Posted: Feb 12, 2013 4:15 PM by Caroline Flores - cflores@kristv.com
Updated: Feb 12, 2013 6:41 PM
CORPUS CHRISTI - There's no question about it, city streets are in bad shape and it's going to cost millions to fix them. The city says it can't afford the works, so it plans to pass the cost to home and business owners. But some people say they can't afford it either. That has the city looking at another option, a 50 percent discount for certain low income residents.
And those requirements are that the family has to be 125% over federal poverty income guidelines. Which means to qualify, a family of two would have to be bringing about $18,000 or less per year. A family of five would have to be bringing in about $33,000 per year or less. And folks we talked with say they like the idea.
"Any type of discount will be a welcome addition to it," said Jerry Witherspoon.
Low income residents aren't the only ones the city plans on giving a discount to. They are also wanting to fully exempt all federal, state, and local public entities. This includes schools, the court house, and even the RTA. So we asked, why.
"Well the reason is because all that turns into is a transfer of payments. We bill a taxing entity, they pass that liability on to the rate payer or property owner," said Assistant City Manager Oscar Martinez.
So for example instead of having the RTA pay the fee then just raise bus prices to pay for it, they are proposing to exclude those businesses from the fee. Residents we spoke with agreed with the city when it comes to exempting certain businesses.
"I feel they already get enough of the people's taxes already. So, I think that's a good idea," Larry McClure.
Now both of these ideas haven't been set in stone yet, but the city council is expected to take a look at the proposal by the end of the month.
A workshop will be held next week before the city gives its recommendation to the council.
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