County supervisors today backed a proposed five cent gas tax hike in order to protect Imperial County's share of nearly two years worth of $7.1 million in the current gas taxes it receives from the state. The move by the California State Association of Counties is being touted as an alternative to a state proposal to take the funds, or Highway User Tax Account money, away from the county in order to help fill a more than $24 billion budget gap.
District 4 Supervisor Gary Wyatt spoke out against the state's intention, calling it "illegal." Wyatt also said that CSAC's proposal is meant to protect Imperial County's share of HUTA funds. Public Works Director Bill Brunet said that should HUTA funds be lost, about 52 public works employees would be laid off and about $11 million of projects partially funded by grants would be jeopardized.
Please read Wednesday's issue of the Imperial Valley Press for more information on this story.
BY SILVIO J. PANTA, staff writer
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