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August 21, 2002
Saratoga, California Since 1955 |
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News briefs
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Small decrease in taxes expected
Saratoga property owners can expect to see
small decreases in their property taxes due
in November and April 2003, compared to last
year.
Taxpayers will contribute about $16.50 per
$100,000 of assessed property value this
fiscal year to pay off the debt on general
obligation bonds for the construction of the
new Saratoga Library.
Last year—the first year Saratogans were
subject to the bond tax—they paid about
$16.75 per $100,000. The city council reviews
and approves the necessary tax every year
until the bonds are paid off in 2028.
This year's tax was approved by the city
council Aug. 7. If it had not been approved,
the city would have been forced to pay the
approximately $1 million in debt generated
from August 2002 to August 2003 with money
from its general fund.
Saratoga voters approved the tax increases to
pay off the bonds' debt in March 2000 when
they also approved the bonds to pay for the
library. The bonds were issued in May 2001,
and debt service payments began last
February.
New plans for Blaney Plaza
The city council on Aug. 7 approved a city
expenditure of $19,400 to develop plans to
move the Memorial Arch to Blaney Plaza, as
well as possibilities for the plaza's future
redevelopment.
Landscape architects from Greg Ing and
Associates will develop two different design
concepts for the council to review in the
fall. The city is allowing the Saratoga Fire
District to use the land on which the arch
currently resides, on Saratoga-Los Gatos
Road near Saratoga Avenue, for its fire
station reconstruction project.
Council OKs red curbing
The city council on Aug. 7 approved two new
locations with parking prohibitions in
neighborhoods with schools.
A segment of Herriman Drive in front of a
residence across from Saratoga High School
will be red-striped to allow the property's
residents greater visibility when exiting
their driveway. The northwest corner of
Tamworth and Seaton avenues across from
Foothill Elementary School will be
red-striped to increase the visibility now
impeded by drivers dropping off and picking
up students. The cost of the curb painting is
estimated at about $500.
The items were continued from the July 17
council meeting, when the council asked for
more information about the parking
prohibitions. They were ultimately
approved—the Herriman Drive item by a vote
of 4-1, with Councilman Stan Bogosian
opposing, and the Tamworth-Seaton Avenue item
unanimously.
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