From the 'At Least This Isn't Happening Here' File:

From the OC Register:

[Stanton], like many others in Orange County, is facing a revenue shortfall because of the soured economy. Currently, the city has a $4 million gap per year between revenues and expenditures.

The proposed increase in the utility users' tax, from 5 to 7.5 percent, would decrease that gap by $1 million annually. The city is making up annual differences by using its reserves, now at $16 million.

City Manager Carol Jacobs said to make up the entire shortfall, the city would have to increase the tax to 15 percent.

See the whole story at www.ocregister.com