Palos Verdes homes like all homes around the South Bay, are subject to property taxes so this information is important to you. You have been sent a mailer from the County of Los Angeles providing you information on a proposed “Clean Water, Clean Beaches Measure”. Did you read it? Whether you own one of the many Palos Verdes homes or South Bay real estate, this measure affects what’s left over after paying the many taxes we already pay. The measure’s intent is to improve water quality and clean storm-water and urban runoff. (For more information on this Measure you can go to: http://www.lacountycleanwater.org/) You may discover that you are in favor of this new proposed tax on Palos Verdes homes and South Bay real estate or you may not. But at least get informed so you can make an informed decision. Here’s an overly simplistic video that was put out by proponents of the measure This mailer is actually a precursor to a ballot election in 2013 with a direct fiscal impact on your Palos Verdes Homes property taxes! If the ballot measure passes, you may see a property tax assessment which, according to county officials, averages $54 per year for a typical residence. However, the assessment can vary according to your property and the amount is determined based on an assessment formula which takes “Impermeable” square footage into account. “Impermeable” may mean things like buildings, concrete, asphalt, or materials that prevent storm-water from seeping directly into the ground.
What is the voting process for this to take into effect for Palos Verdes homes?
Three steps must occur:
- NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS which includes a protest form for property owners to oppose. (This was the mailer.) The deadline to submit your protest is: January 15, 2013.
- PUBLIC HEARING ON JANUARY 15, 2013. If a majority (50% plus one) of property owners returns the protest forms by this date, the County may not proceed with this election.
- ELECTION. If passed, it would appear on 2014-2015 property tax bills.
If you have any questions on the specifics of the Measure itself, please call (800) 218-0018 or email: water.info@dpw.lacounty.gov or visit www.lacountycleanwater.org for more information. I am also providing you a link to Don Knabe’s website which will give you information and links to be able to download a copy of your mailer, if needed. Don Knabe’s informational link: http://knabe.com/2012/12/04/all-county-residents-should-have-say-on-clean-water-clean-beaches-measure/#.UMY6hYP7KSo If you support this measure or otherwise do not want to file a protest, there is no need for you to take further action. Remember, your protest form must be received by January 15, 2013. I looked at my property tax bill and personally, $54 isn’t going to have that big of an effect on me. On the other hand, there are a couple of things on the tax bill for Palos Verdes homes that seem wasteful. Wouldn’t be nice if we could file “protest forms” on a lot of other taxes we paid and benefit by having a 50% +1 over ride?
Looking to own one of the many Palos Verdes homes now for sale