January 6, 2009

Update: We have received a copy of the Huron Report, an independent assessment of measure B. They analyze the solar industry and the expected costs of solar energy using this program. They estimate that the cost is 11.9 cents per kWh generated (see page 20).

In January we had speakers on two topics: Mr. Joe Avila, Executive Assistant to the DWP General Manager presenting information on the Solar Initiative, which will be on the March 2009 ballot. Mr. Avila is responsible for covering a number of subject matter areas within the LADWP including legislative policy, business and operational analysis and support to both the Water and Power Services Divisions.

You may review the DWP Presentation. You may be also interested in Solar Initiative Packet that was prepared for the City Council by the City of Los Angeles Chief Legislative Analyst and contains his analysis cover letter, a one page list of findings from the PA Consulting Firm which reviewed the solar initiative before it was sent to the City Council, Draft Copy of PA Consulting's PowerPoint Presentation and a second report prepared by Barua, Block and Company for Solar Green USA.

The LA Times reported the existence of this packet and it was recently made available. The two reports take different views of the Solar Initiative as well as the cover letter prepared by the Chief Legislative Analyst.

This information is an important supplement to the DWP presentation and this information was prepared after the date of the DWP presentation.

We also had John Dierking, in Tax Compliance from the LA City Office of Finance. He spoke on on Business Tax Renewal.

John Dierking is the current Taxpayer Advocate for the City of Los Angeles, Office of Finance. The Taxpayer Advocate serves as a liaison and advisor to taxpayers and provides assistance with complex business tax problems. The Taxpayer Advocate program is designed to provide personal assistance to taxpayers who have business tax problems that have not been resolved in the usual manner. The Taxpayer Advocate is dedicated to researching and resolving issues and complaints from taxpayers after an exhaustive effort has been made to resolve them.

The Office of Finance was created in 2000 as a result of Charter reform efforts. On an annual basis, the Office of Finance collects over $2 billion in revenue from various sources including business taxes, licenses, fees, and permits which pay for numerous essential municipal services to City residents and businesses. Our primary responsibility is to collect revenues, outstanding delinquencies and claims on behalf of other City departments.

The Office of Finance also assists other revenue producing departments in the City by recommending standardized billing and collection procedures based on best practices in an effort to improve the City.s collection of outstanding debt. We carry out the mission statement through the efforts of 342 employees and a budget of $23.4 million. The Office of Finance also provides information to businesses and individuals regarding the City's tax and fee collection program.