The City of Walnut, California says it is shelling out $300,000 a year to light streets and maintain public parks and plazas. The property tax assessment that is supposed to pay for maintainance hasn't been increased since the 1990s.
A property tax increase is highly unpopular in Walnut, so city officials are working on other options.
"One thought, [Councilwoman Mary] Su said, is to try and generate more revenue across the city, possibly through the development of some vacant lots to offset the costs."
The mayor is promoting the idea of increasing efficiency in watering and electricity to make up the shortfall.
FULL STORY: Maintenance of open spaces straining Walnut's budget
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