Important Facts about Measure T:
Q: What is Measure T?
A: Measure T is a utility user's tax (UUT) modernization measure on the June 2008 ballot to renew and upgrade the City's UUT outdated ordinance language.
Q: What is a UUT?
A: The UUT is a tax on certain utility bills. Since 1969, residents of Torrance have paid a UUT on electricity, gas, water, cable television, and since 1972 for telephone communications. Like many other California cities, Torrance uses this funding to provide general city services such as police, fire, street repair, parks, libraries, and youth recreation programs. Low-income seniors and disabled residents are exempt from paying the UUT.
Q: Why did the Council place Measure T on the Ballot?
A: To address changes in technology, recent court rulings and new Federal regulations Torrance, the City Council placed Measure T on the ballot to protect $6 - $8 Million in revenues that fund essential public safety and other City services from future court rulings. These measures are not unusual, as a growing number of neighboring cities -- Pasadena, Hermosa Beach, Lawndale, and Los Angeles - along with others throughout the state, have passed similar measures.
Q: What does the UUT fund?
A: Revenues from the UUT are used to fund general city services, such as:
- Police services that the FBI say have made Torrance one of the safest cities in the nation.
- Community disaster preparedness training programs.
- Traffic enforcement and safety.
- Senior services, including exercise programs and preventive healthcare screenings.
- 9-1-1 Emergency Medical Response.
- Crossing guards to ensure child safety at neighborhood schools.
- Library Services.
- Youth programs that serve 26,000 young people, such as anti-gang, after-school, and anti-drug programs, recreational activities and summer camps.
