Montebello

The City Council has amended an ordinance reducing the city’s utility tax from 3.5% to 2.5%. The tax, initiated two years ago, is levied on gas, electricity and telephone services to generate revenues for public safety. The tax was reduced because the economy has improved, city officials said.

In a household with utility expenses totaling $1,440 a year, for example, the tax would be $36 a year, down from $50.40 at the 3.5% rate.