Kudos to Oroville council for concern

My thanks to the Oroville City Council for its robust discussion on the Utility Users Tax. I did find it disappointing that city staff reverted back to an idea presented years ago by former council member Marlene DelRosario to create a burdensome senior refund program. As stated by Mr. Lando on Dec. 1, only 20 to 30% of seniors utilize a similar program in Chico.

Programs for the seniors and low income populations will financially impact the community and the City of Oroville the least when compared to a total repeal.

Some council members say they don’t know what the future holds, and “what if?” They also acknowledge that during a pandemic and an economic crisis the amount of money from the 1% sales tax increase, is rolling into the city coffers above expected projections. In my opinion there will never be a better time to eliminate or reduce this burdensome tax on the Oroville residents.

I will continue to advocate for the repeal of the UUT. I applaud the council members who recognize there should a balance between concern for the city’s solvency and concern for overtaxed residents of the City of Oroville.

Please respect the dignity of our seniors and the less fortunate in our community. There is no need to create a new program. There is a need to repeal the UUT, at the very least, on the necessities of life, water and power for all Oroville residents.

— Lorraine Christensen,

Oroville