**Mexicali Proposes Increase in Public Lighting Fees and Freezing Accounts of Property Tax Debtors**
In a move to boost Mexicali’s municipal revenue, Mayor Norma Alicia Bustamante Martinez has presented a new financial proposal to the Baja California Congress focusing on adjustments to the city’s income structure for the fiscal year 2025. Highlighting the key components of the proposal is an increase in the Public Lighting Fee, known locally as Derecho de Alumbrado Público (DAP), and changes to the property tax system, particularly targeting residential and commercial condominiums.
The proposed adjustment suggests an increase of 15 to 25 pesos in the DAP, a significant yet controversial move given the fee’s association with electricity costs. Municipal Treasurer Roger Sosa acknowledged the sensitivity of this increment but stressed its necessity as the current revenue does not cover the 35 pesos it costs to provide lighting services per property.
Moreover, the new proposal aims to reform the property tax structure for vertical properties, such as condominium towers, by taxing based not only on land but also on common areas like parking lots and recreational spaces. This change is expected to substantially increase the property tax revenue, although concerns have been raised regarding potential legal challenges or the need for more precise studies.
Additionally, the Secretary Rodrigo Llantada hinted at a mechanism that might involve freezing accounts of significant tax defaulters. This tactic, not extensively detailed, is intended to compel overdue payments by impacting bank accounts of individuals or companies with substantial property tax arrears.
As Mayor Bustamante Martinez and her team prepare for this proposal’s approval process, the plan demonstrates an effort to address budget shortfalls and ensure equitable tax contributions from various sectors.
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**Secondary Article: Mexicali’s Financial Overhaul and Its Implications**
As Mexicali’s municipal government pursues major fiscal reforms, the broader implications of these changes spark discussions among residents and officials alike. The proposed increase in Public Lighting Fees and alterations in property tax collection are part of a strategy to offset the city’s growing expenditure for public services.
These reforms are particularly focused on ensuring greater contributions from property owners, specifically those in high-density residential and commercial developments. By recalibrating taxes based on common facility use, the city hopes to achieve a more balanced and fair distribution of tax responsibilities.
However, this approach raises concerns about the burden on property owners and potential legal disputes. The decision to possibly freeze accounts of property tax defaulters, although not yet fully fleshed out, is a significant step that underscores the city’s firm stance on tax compliance.
As these developments unfold, there is an ongoing debate about finding the right balance between necessary municipal revenue and the financial pressures on citizens and businesses. Local lawmakers and urban planners will need to consider these dynamics closely as they weigh the proposal’s potential benefits against its impacts on the community.
Maintaining transparency and open communication will be crucial in advancing Mexicali’s fiscal policies while ensuring public understanding and support for these significant changes.