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Hayward council introduces cleanup ordinance clarifying utility users tax procedures; no rate change
Summary
Council introduced ordinance LB26-004 to amend several sections of Chapter 8 (utility users tax) to clarify remittance, enforcement, appeals and administrative provisions. Finance Director Hilbrands said the measure does not change the tax rate, base or duration; the introduction passed unanimously with one member absent.
The Hayward City Council on Feb. 17 introduced ordinance LB26‑004, a cleanup amendment to Chapter 8 of the Hayward Municipal Code addressing the utility users tax (UUT).
Finance Director Hilbrands told the council the ordinance is procedural and non‑substantive: it clarifies remittance rules, enforcement and appeal procedures, addresses liabilities (including interest and penalties when applicable), and fixes drafting issues that arose during implementation. Hilbrands said the changes do not alter the UUT rate, the tax base or the duration of the tax.
Councilmember Roach asked for confirmation that the ordinance would not change the tax rate; Hilbrands confirmed the UUT amount is unchanged and the edits are intended to make collection, refund and appeals processes clearer.
Councilmember Goldstein moved to introduce the ordinance for consideration; Councilmember Roach seconded. The motion to introduce LB26‑004 passed unanimously, with one councilmember absent.
The council did not adopt substantive tax policy at the meeting; the action on Feb. 17 advanced the drafting and formal review of the ordinance as described by staff.
