Letter to the editor:

Regarding the proposed city improvements

I am strongly in favor of the City of Riverside improving the quality of life for its residents. I find fault though with the proposed sources of revenue. For example, borrowing from the electric and sewer funds will prevent necessary repairs and upgrading to infrastructure and will require raising significant money in the future as these needs develop.

The parcel tax is another problem. For example, why should a single family home owner pay the same amount in additional tax as the owner of a 100 unit apartment complex? There are more tenants that will use the improvements in the apartment complex than a single family home owner would use. Wouldn’t it be more equitable for all citizens of Riverside to pay their fair share by making the parcel tax somewhat proportional to the number of residents living on that parcel? What about the large commercial properties? They will also pay the same as a single family home owner. Since they also benefit from an improved city environment; shouldn’t they pay more than the single family home owner?

As usual, the players in city hall have taken the easy way out and are again sticking it to the single family homeowner and avoiding taxing the big commercial interests in town.