Covina : Vote on Tax Hike Delayed

City officials delayed voting on a proposed property tax hike for street maintenance and repair and instead decided to survey registered voters and property owners.

An irate crowd of about 300 had packed the council chambers and courtyard for the public hearing Tuesday.

The council voted 4 to 1 to mail survey forms by Monday. Councilman Tom O’Leary voted against, saying people had already shown their opposition.

The tax was proposed in March by the city staff to raise about $2.7 million. The City Charter provides that if more than 25% of registered voters officially complain, the measure must be put to a vote and would need approval by two-thirds of the voters to pass.

The city has received 1,376 complaints from registered voters, officials said. A total of 4,814 of the city’s 19,256 voters would have to object to put the measure to a vote.