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What next? A potty tax?
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More from OpinionUsing technology perfected during Super Bowl halftimes and Academy Award commercial breaks, the city of Ventura has announced that they can now trace toilet flushes to specific residences within the city limits.
Accordingly, as a way to raise additional revenue during tough economic times, the city has proposed a potty tax.
Toilet users with Ventura addresses will have two options: an unlimited flush plan or a pay-to-go plan. The city encourages citizens to take advantage of the handy unlimited flush plan at a nominal price of just $5.99 per month.
An opt-out alternative has been created to strengthen the fee plan against possible legal challenges. Under the pay-to-go plan a modest fee of 18 cents will be charged for each residential flush. The opt-out plan is designed mainly for residents who feel they can "hold it" until they get to their place of work or to school.
A coalition of local physicians has announced its opposition to the potty tax on the theory that it might discourage people from going to the bathroom. The city counters that such is not its intention and that is why, after further study, it has reduced the per flush fee from the originally proposed $50.
One free flush per month is granted under the pay-to-go plan. This, city leaders say, will avoid penalizing residents who don't normally use their toilets, but who might squish a bug with a tissue and appreciate the privilege of disposing of it with a courtesy flush.
For those who opt for the pay-to-go plan, but make their toilet available to someone not permanently living in their home there is a good Samaritan provision. The city creasurer will credit back the full 18 cents when proper documentation is presented within 72 hours.
Opt-out forms will be available starting in March at City Hall. If a long line should develop, the city has announced that toilets within the building will be made available at no charge
— David Loe lives in Ventura.
Posted by schlederdecopan on February 28, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Potty Tax City Council of San Buenaventura:
Brennan
Morehouse
Monahan
Andrews
Fulton
Weir
Summers
Oh well that's just great!!!
You're just joking in regards to the city council's idiotic 911 tax, but you have just given these *ing idiots an idea to screw all of us some more so they can continue to spend without restraint.
Last election, only 14% of the registered eligible voters within the city limits re-elected these last 3 screw balls to the council, that's 5-6,000 votes apiece.
I'd say, you just about deserve everything these idiots shove down your throats.
And if you think this is all there will be, you're dumber than the council cuz they have some real whoppers coming down the shoot.
Read..."Little Santa Monica."
They have no respect for you!
If they have actually turned your grandfather's grave into a dog park that gets urine and feces daily, there will be nothing too low for this crew to stick you with.
They now will tax a 'life & death' situation!
Please look at the reality of 'district elections' and run these *ing bums out of the county.
Posted by imp9824 on February 28, 2008 at 3:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This was just too funny. I wonder how many people will not understand that this is completely fabricated.
Posted by Wendy_Halderman on February 28, 2008 at 8:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
David...you are brilliantly funny, as always!
Posted by bbbdugout on February 28, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I couldn't agree more - this city council and the mayor need to leave - NOW - before they rip us clean for every last dime we have - kinda like the current President and his cronies - I thought politically elected officials were employed by the citizens who pay the taxes (their salaries) and now there all ramming it up our backsides - it really is time for change
Posted by johnmuir96 on February 28, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
so where do you people think the money for 911 should come from????????
It wont come from low income or people here illegally.
It wont come from the wealth who wanted to build on the loyd ranch, because you venturians would not allow them to be built.
Had you allowed the homes to be built they would have paid for public schools and the 911 system and never used it.
Its time to wake up dudes!!!!! where will the money come from
Posted by shaver_one on February 28, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
johnmuir96 must be one of those 'wealth' (sic) who wasn't allowed on build on the Loyd Ranch. Sour Grapes.
A fee is nothing more than a tax targeting a specific group. You have noticed that businesses are fee-limited to only three phone lines. Citizens that have two land lines and 3 cell lines are going to be charged for EACH line.
Can businesses 'Opt Out'?
Posted by shaver_one on February 28, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BTW:
If businesses cannot 'Opt Out', then it is a tax.
Posted by KorbettT on February 28, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dead on Shaver One...Because who will the businesses pass the "tax" on to? THE CONSUMER. Amazing how these Socialists don't get it. I don't know about you, but I'm getting pretty sick and tired of "Where's the money supposed to come from". Move to Communist China! Where to each according to their need, from each according to their ability is the order of the day. Not California!
Posted by stnerhno on February 29, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
to johnmuir96.... The State of Calif already remberses the City of Ventura for their 911 expendutures
"9-11 OPERATIONS MANUAL
Chapter III – Funding
PSAP EXPENSES. FUNDING POLICY
With changing technology, new legislation, and an ongoing effort by all agencies for continued
improvement to California’s 9-1-1 network, the 9-1-1 Office recognizes that PSAPs dedicate
considerable resources to support effective response to 9-1-1 callers in their community. It is the
policy of the 9-1-1 Office to reimburse PSAPs for documented costs directly associated with this
effort". This is already paid for.
Posted by horsespinner on February 29, 2008 at 9:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I will take the minimum and go outside by the neighbors fence, next to their bedroom window. I say Ventura is going to be buried in deep doo doo
Posted by prunepicker on March 1, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To: bbbdugout
You got it right. We just recently voted for change. But, the kind of change looming on the horizon may very well be more of the same. Government employees (both elected and civil service), are ready to give us the same big brother, "We know what is best for you - now shut-up and pay for what we want. And by the way, we want a salary increase".
We had better be careful for what change we ask for.
PrunePicker
Posted by keepin_it_real on March 2, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just saw this article today. This is crazy!!! What is next? Are they going to figure how many breaths a person takes in one day and charge for that too? This is a joke!!!! You politicians shoud be ashamed of yourselves. Or do you care, you will probable be exempt from this tax. I think we all need to pee and poop in all their yards, because they aren't worth a sh---!!!!
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