ARLINGTON — The Arlington City Council decided to delay a vote on a proposed utility fee that would support emergency medical services.
Twenty people spoke during a public hearing Monday. Most opposed the fee, which would add $15 to water-sewer-stormwater bills. The city also received written comments.
A common sentiment was that the city should put a tax measure on the ballot rather than approving a fee that does not require a public vote.
Money from the fee would go toward bridging a $1.5 million gap between the EMS budget and what the city says is needed. Arlington has been using money from the general fund to make up the difference.
Many who spoke Monday expressed support for first responders but not for the fee. A few were in favor, saying it’s a reasonable cost for safety improvements. Others indicated they would vote for a tax measure but do not want a fee without voter approval.
“The council decided they would like to take some time to absorb the comments,” city spokeswoman Kristin Banfield said in an email.
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