What If the Utility Users Tax (UUT) goes away?

To avoid a financial calamity, the level of service the City provides must not exceed our means to pay for those services. Without a Utility Users Tax (UUT) extension, our projected FY 2014 revenues would fall to $38.1 million - one-third less than they were in 2007, not counting inflation. The impact of that would be felt city-wide, including:

  • Loss of up to 20 positions in the Police Department, negatively impacting emergency and non-emergency response times, reducing patrols and arrests, and potentially eliminating the:
    • Investigations
    • Special Crimes Apprehension Team (SCAT)
    • Traffic units
    • Narcotics
  • Reduction in:
    • The Arson and special weapons and tactics (SWAT) medic program
    • Fire prevention programs
    • Up-staffing for high fire-potential events such as red-flag warnings and the Fourth of July
    • Paramedic staffing
  • Closure of the Las Colinas Fire Station 204, resulting in longer response times and a higher risk of property damage and/or loss of life
  • Inability to qualify for certain public safety-related grants that require matching local funds
  • Reductions in:
    • Concrete and sidewalk repair
    • Graffiti abatement
    • Park maintenance
    • Street sweeping
  • Reduction or elimination of services at the:
    • Community center
    • Pool
    • Senior center
  • Establishment of usage fees for sports fields and lighting
  • Reduction of two of five code enforcement officers and/or support staff, and three to five public works positions

Show All Answers

1. What is the Utility Users Tax (UUT)?
2. How much does the Utility Users Tax (UUT) contribute to the general fund?
3. What does the Utility Users Tax (UUT) cost me?
4. Will a “yes” vote increase my taxes?
5. Why is an extension necessary?
6. What is the City doing to run a more fiscally responsible organization?
7. What If the Utility Users Tax (UUT) goes away?
8. Don’t property taxes and our new water rates pay for a lot of this?
9. Aren’t we simply paying for employee retirement costs?
10. Are low-income households and senior citizens still exempt from paying the tax?