Pasadena council narrowly rejects motion to prepare 10% parking-tax backup for parcel-tax ballot

The Pasadena City Council declined on July 20 to prepare a 10% parking tax as a contingency if it opted not to proceed with a proposed fire parcel tax. Council member Cole moved the measure; Council member Hampton seconded it. The motion failed 4–3, with one absence.

Cole framed the backup as a practical majority-vote option and argued it would tax visitors who use Pasadena streets. "This is essentially a no brainer because it taxes people who commute to our city or who visit our city and who use our roads, and our roads are in terrible condition, and we need additional funding," he said. Opponents warned that placing competing measures before voters could reduce the chance either would pass.

Several council members said they preferred to prioritize the parcel tax for fire-station capital work and to avoid placing too many items on the ballot. Mayor Gordo said he supported preparing both but favored the fire measure as the primary initiative and asked for more information before deciding. Council member Madison said staff lacked the economic analysis needed to make an informed decision and voted against the motion.

Public commenters split their remarks. Jesus Rojas of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles opposed any transfer or parcel tax on principle, while others urged the council to focus on public safety. The council directed staff to return on August 3 with additional information and to continue discussion of the parcel tax.

Vote tally (as read on the record): Yes—Cole, Hampton, Masuda, Mayor Gordo; No—Lyon, Madison, Vice Mayor Rivas; Absent—Jones. The motion therefore failed.