The San Diego County Taxpayers Association released a study dated today (Oct. 8) showing that the cities in San Diego County with the biggest pension burdens are the ones raising taxes. Four of the five cities with the highest pension burdens as a percentage of budgets are burdening citizens with high tax rates. El Cajon and National City have the relatively highest pension costs and are tied for the highest tax rates in the county. La Mesa, with the third highest pension burden, boosted sales taxes last year and has one of the highest tax rates. The study also pointed out that in 11 cities, such as San Marcos, city workers contribute nothing to their own pension plans. Carlsbad workers pay only 1%. "I didn't realize this madness was so widespread," says Richard Rider, chairman of San Diego tax fighters. Future studies will analyze the City and County of San Diego.
The San Diego County Taxpayers Association released a study dated today (Oct. 8) showing that the cities in San Diego County with the biggest pension burdens are the ones raising taxes. Four of the five cities with the highest pension burdens as a percentage of budgets are burdening citizens with high tax rates. El Cajon and National City have the relatively highest pension costs and are tied for the highest tax rates in the county. La Mesa, with the third highest pension burden, boosted sales taxes last year and has one of the highest tax rates. The study also pointed out that in 11 cities, such as San Marcos, city workers contribute nothing to their own pension plans. Carlsbad workers pay only 1%. "I didn't realize this madness was so widespread," says Richard Rider, chairman of San Diego tax fighters. Future studies will analyze the City and County of San Diego.