ARGUMENTS for and against a proposed sales tax increase for Westminster are due on Aug. 2.

The deadline to submit arguments for or against the proposed 1 cent sales tax levy in Westminster are due into the City Clerk’s office by Aug. 2. The clerk’s office is located in City Hall, 8200 Westminster Blvd. Statements are limited to 250 words.

Earlier this month, the city council adopted a resolution calling for an election on Nov. 8 to ask voters to approve the sales and transaction tax. City leaders say the new levy is necessary to avert financial disaster as the local government depletes its reserves.

The city has cut services and laid off several hundred employees. The lingering effects of the Great Recession, declining sales tax income and the lowest property tax rate in Orange County are blamed for Westminster’s financial predicament.

Opponents of the proposed sales tax hike argue that it might discourage some businesses from doing business in the city, and that local government should live within its means without increasing taxes.

For more on this, go to:

http://www.westminster-ca.gov/news/details.asp?NewsID=693&TargetID=1