By: Libi Uremovic | Original Article at patch.com
Reprinted from the Riverside Press Enterprise February 10, 2012
The city of Beaumont presented a community event Thursday night that mixed hot cocoa, cookies and cupcakes with information.
Residents were invited to the Beaumont Civic Center to learn about local government and ask questions they might have. The periphery of the old gymnasium was lined with informational poster boards from every city department.
The scene was reminiscent of a science fair.
Students in the Beaumont High Interact service club served desserts made by the cityâs Community Services Department. Hot cocoa was available, as promised.
The city departments included, but were not limited to, Community Services, Grounds Maintenance, Planning, Finance, Fire, Police and Transit. At the Community Services table, people could learn what senior services the city provides and the after-school day camp thatâs available. At the transit table, new transit guides were handed out.
Perhaps the most popular table was the one highlighting local Community Facilities Districts and Mello Roos taxes. Some residents have voiced an opinion that Beaumontâs taxes are too high and are forcing some residents out of their homes.
At Tuesdayâs City Council meeting, City Manager Alan Kapanicas said the purpose of the social was to show residents all of the different services the city offers, as well as give information on Community Facilities Districts. He said he would talk about âall the great thingsâ this tax revenue has built, how the program operates and why the tax is levied.
A brochure from the city said the tax revenue has gone toward building the Beaumont High School swimming, upgrading local parks, treating wastewater and shoring up infrastructure, among other improvements.
Mary Dowling lives in Solera, a residential development in Beaumont for people who are 55 or older. She said she pays about $1,600 a year in Mello Roos taxes. When asked if she feels the tax is too high, she said, âWell, I knew what it was when we moved here.â But, she added, she is hopeful the city will lower the tax someday.
Dowling met some friends from Solera at the Civic Center on Thursday night. They came because they thought the City Council was going to be discussing CFD/Mello Roos taxes.
Pass-area resident Judy Bingham, a critic of Beaumont government, made the rounds at the social. Approaching one woman, she asked, âDo you want some information on how the city of Beaumont really operates?â
Some residents took the leaflets she offered while others declined.
Bingham also brought protest signs and said officials told her to put them away.
Brian Sylva and his wife, Jennie Rose, stopped by the CFD/Mello Roos table to ask Kapanicas how their tax money is spent. Sylva said while some of the fees have not directly benefited the development where they live, because those upgrades are the responsibility of their Homeowners Association, they do benefit from the CFD/Mello Roos program overall.
As an example, he said the money has gone toward maintaining local streets, which they obviously drive.
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