Meeting Time: June 28, 2024 at 4:30pm PDT
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Agenda Item

2.1. City of Orange Public Safety/City Services Local General Transactions and Use Tax (Sales Tax). (Continued from June 25, 2024.)

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    Putting a temporary 1/2% tax increase on the November ballot
    Diana Caballero
    30+ year Resident

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    The Simpson family supports a 1/2 cent tax that sunsets in 10 years with strong taxpayer safeguards. Please focus on growing our city. Orange has tradionally not had a strong ED effort compared to other cities who are much smaller. Thank you.
    Dave Simpson

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    It's very interesting that nearly all of the comments opposing letting residents vote on the tax are anonymous. I guess it's the same Take Back California group out of Washington, DC trying to manipulate the City Council. Those of us supporting letting us vote are generally signing our comments because we're actual Orange residents. Remember, this isn't you voting to raise taxes - this is you voting to let the voters of Orange decide whether or not we want to raise taxes. I support this item to let the people of Orange decide on whether or not to raise the sales tax.
    - David Hernandez
    Proud Orange Resident

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    As Councilman Dumitru TRIED to point out at the last meeting, and Councilman Guyllenhammer attempted to reinforce, there are dozens of areas that could still be cut from the budget. Council just doesn't want to make the hard decisions, and would rather transfer the debt THEY created onto the shoulders of the citizens of Orange who elected them to serve. It would be an amazing good-faith gesture if they offered to reduce their stipends or healthcare benefits - but they won't do that. Admittedly, that would hardly balance the budget - but it would show they are willing to take responsibility for their mismanagement and that they truly care about the Citizens of Orange. It would show they are willing to do everything in their power to reduce spending and increase revenue, without burdening their constituents with even more fees and taxes. The ONLY people this tax increase really affects is Orange residents. Does that seem fair? We elected this council to protect us - not dump additional financial burdens on families and single parents who are already struggling to make ends meet.

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    We resent you making this a POLICE and FIRE tax increase, and threatening to cut police officers, firefighters and others vital services to the city. This is simply not true. This tax increase is not designated for Police and Fire- it goes directly into the general fund, which the council can spend at its discretion. How did that work out for us the past two years?

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    I do not believe that the citizens of Orange should be paying for the mishandle of our funds for the city. City Council needs to look internally to see what the root of the issue is and how they’re going to manage the money effectively moving forward. I do not agree with the increase of tax.

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    I have to manage our family's Budget,, Our City council should learn to manage theirs.
    And not just transfer tax to citizens to cover Their Mismanagement of their revenue stream.
    You can't spend more money than you take in!! That is basic-budget math 101!!
    Sounds like the city council doesn't want to make the Hard Decisions normal citizens have to make everyday.
    The Council likes make claims about a Dire Situation of there own making..
    No new Tax, Learn to count, That's what we pay you to do...
    This is crazy.
    Alex S , OPA

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    Too many pencil pushers at some departments.

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    Johnny Pham 5 months ago

    Dear City Council Members,

    I am writing to urge your support for placing the proposed Sales Tax increase on our November ballot. In our democratic society, it is crucial that we uphold the right to debate and deliberate on significant issues such as this one.

    Our community is currently facing pressing challenges that affect each and every one of us. The quality of life we cherish in Orange is at stake amidst rising homelessness and escalating costs that burden our residents and businesses alike. Addressing these issues effectively requires additional resources and funding.

    I recognize the concerns about the impact of a tax increase, particularly on those already struggling to make ends meet. However, the alternative of inaction poses greater risks, including further economic decline and exacerbation of homelessness in our neighborhoods.

    By allowing this measure to go to a public vote, we empower our community to have a voice in shaping its own future. Every resident should have the opportunity to express their views and participate in this important decision-making process.

    I believe in the resilience and unity of our community. Together, we can find solutions to our challenges, but we need the necessary tools and resources to do so. Let us not shy away from difficult decisions that could pave the way for a stronger, more sustainable Orange.

    Thank you for considering my perspective and for your dedication to serving our city.

    Sincerely,
    Johnny Pham

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    I am writing this letter to express my strong opposition regarding the potential increase in taxes that was recently proposed and never supported in the recent meeting. Many individuals are already facing financial challenges due to the rising costs of living and recent economic uncertainties. An increase in taxes would place additional burden on many households that are already struggling to make ends meet. These increases will impact the financial stability and place undue burden on many families in Orange.
    It is evident that there has been a pattern of overspending within our city’s administration. It is not the tax payers responsibility to pay for your fiscal irresponsibility. It is your duty to manage our city’s finances prudently without resorting to measures that will further strain your residents.

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    Mayor, Mayor Pre Tem, City Council Members and Staff

    We do NOT need an extra 1% tax to fund city events that make Orange-Orange. Our City is unique; and our businesses are loyal and supportive-as illustrated by Wilson Automotive stepping up to adopt "Concerts in the Park" even before the last meeting closed. There are many offers from local non-profits to take over these events and run them. Also, many events such as the tree lighting and Treats in the Streets started as community events before they were taken over by the city. Let's give them BACK to those community groups.

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    This imposed tax will push Millions of dollars of tax revenue to our neighboring cities as residence outside our city won’t shop in Orange any longer and Orange citizens will shop outside our city

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    You can’t spend more money than you take in! That is basic family-budget math 101!

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    We resent you making this a police and fire tech increase and threatening to police officers firefighters and other vital services to the city. This is simply not true. This tax increases is not designated for police and fire. It goes directly into general fund, which the council can spend at its discretion. How did that work out for us over the past two years?

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    Dear Mayor and City Council,

    As it’s rarely the case that citizens get to vote on financial issues that have put Orange in its current/future situation. I believe that council needs to come together and leave this decision of the proposed sales tax increase to a vote of its citizens

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    Dear Mayor and City Council,

    As it is rare that citizen get to vote on financial issues that have lead Orange to its current/future state. I believe council need to come together and leave the vote to its citizens.

    Sincerely,

    92865 Orange Resident

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    Orange is a working class community. We all work many of us work two jobs! How can you possibly justify adding another $900 every single family budget? And for what!? What do I get for that money? Nothing! No new cops no new fireman nothing new you are taking money from my family to pay yourselves and pay for your events where you get to look good on stage I am opposed to raising our taxes!

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    Hi Mayor , Mayor Pre Tem , City Council Members and Staff-
    I attended the Council Meeting the other day> I still oppose to ANY tax increase and I still oppose to ANY cuts that directly impact our Public Safety. As an elected official I would expect that all Council Members work together to identify the problem and come up with a sustainable solution moving forward. Moreover, I am deeply saddened that a knee jerk reaction was made to cut several popular community events/programs that make the City of Orange what its. I agree with one of the Council Members, “A tax is an absolute last resort.” I believe there is still time for the City of Orange to raise more revenue before committing to any increase of Sales Tax. Do not raise taxes! Thank you

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    Guest User 5 months ago

    Taxation is out of control. Make the necessary adjustments to work with the current budget.

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    Patricia Waasted 5 months ago

    I would like a vote on the tax increase