Residents in Orange to vote on a sales tax increase to address city’s budget woes

Topline:

Orange residents will be voting on a November ballot measure that would increase the city’s sales tax a half percent. If approved, the increase would bring the city around $20 million annually.

Details of the tax increase: The sales tax measure would help address a $19.1 million budget deficit the city is facing. If the ballot measure passes and the city’s sales tax of 7.75% is raised by half a percent, the tax increase would sunset in 10 years.

Other measures to address the budget deficit: The city will begin enforcing parking violations as another way to address the budget deficit. Those who illegally park in restricted areas or in a permit parking zone or disabled zone without the required permits can expect to be cited. Those who do not obey street sweeping rules will also be fined. According to a staff report, the city can expect to generate between $8 to $10 million in a 5 year period through parking enforcement.

The city has also implemented a hiring freeze, eliminated their crossing guard program, cut clean up along Santiago Creek, and reduced its public library operations.

What did residents say: Residents, including some first responders, spoke out at Friday’s city council meeting to urge the city council to add the sales tax measure to the ballot.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer also spoke at Friday’s meeting asking the council to prioritize public safety and avoid raising taxes.

“You have to make the tough cuts. You have to make the tough decisions. People are not going to be happy,” he said.