Unfortunately, we are all too aware that Monterey Park's sales tax per capita performance lags that of comparison cities. Our sales tax per capita average is less than one-half of the average in neighboring cities. For the 2000-2001 fiscal year, sales tax performance is expected to remain approximately the same as the current year. A portion of auto registration and license fees paid by the consumer are allocated to local government. The City's utility tax is imposed on residential and commercial consumption of gas, electricity and phone services.
Indications are that further declines in utility rates are eminent.
Deregulation is having its intended effect on the industry.