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Biggs advised that the Utility Users Tax was enacted by ordinance and it required repeal by ordinance. Motion by Councilmember Bennett, seconded by Councilmember Hansen to waive full reading and pass first reading of Ordinance No. 0- 06-96, repealing Chapter 3.40 of the Colton Municipal Code relating to the Establishment of a Utility Users Tax. Mayor Fulp granted Rev. Steve Anderson's request to speak last in order. Mr. John Longfield, Colton, said he heard rumblings that certain members of Council had changed their minds and the repeal would not pass, which he ascribed to the fact that this matter was brought to the Council by Councilmember Bennett. He asked if this matter was administrative or legislative action. City Attorney Biggs assured there was no movement on the part of the Council Members to return this item to the agenda rather it needed to return because there was an ordinance and follow-up had to be done in this format. She advised that this was a legisla- tive act. She cautioned that tax matters were not subject to referendum --whether legislative or administrative in nature. She said people can circulate an initiative based on recent tax; however referendum was not available. Mr. Charles Jackson, Colton, expressed disappointment at what took place two weeks ago as it was not the right way to do it. He thanked Councilmembers who voted to repeal the Utility Users Tax, especially Councilmembers Sanders, Bennett and Mayor Fulp. He thanked Councilmember Hansen for living up to his campaign promises. He urged a unanimous vote to repeal the tax and get the City out of debt. Mr. Fred Cordova, Colton, said initially he was strongly against the Utility Users Tax because he had proposed a different method of creating money for the City which would not have put the City in the present bind. He was troubled that after voting the tax employees recently hired would now have to be laid off and that remaining employees would be furloughed. He declared this was wrong. He said the City was in crises and in debt; but, it needed to look out for its employees. If the Utility Users Tax was repealed, he proposed that Council immediately levy a $5 per parcel tax which would collect $1 million. Elaine Craig, SBPEA Representative, spoke on behalf of its membership against repealing the tax as the ramifications of the court decision were unclear and any action at this time was premature. She said most cities were following the advice of staff and League of Cities, which was "Wait and see. If re- pealed, She suggested that the City would make up for lost revenue by closing down centers, cutting office hours, increasing 13 MAR 0 5 1996