Dear Mayor and City Council,
I see the challenges you are facing; I ask you do not cut our police and fire department. You need to bring a possible tax increase to vote in November. The terms should be clearly laid out and have a timeframe. Let the Orange citizens decide.
Thank you,
32 year Orange resident
Thank you for all you are doing to try and address this crisis.
As a long term resident and citizen of Orange, I believe the voters have the right to vote on this matter and it should not be shuttered in a city council meeting. By placing it on the ballot, the council is NOT passing the tax, but simply letting the citizens vote on it come November in a democratic process.
I personally believe a tax with an expiration date is preferential to a perpetual tax with no expiration date and would urge the city council to find a compromise to get something on the ballot. I would prefer a short expiration date with provisions for renewal as needed by citizen vote. That is a much easier process than citizens organizing the process to remove a tax and I do not think we should permanently provide these taxes.
I urge the council to compromise and find a proposition that is passable (in my opinion a short term tax with an extendable expiration date) come November.
Hi, I attended the meeting a few days ago and will honestly say it was an education. I think the council cares very much for the city and wants to do the right thing but I disagree with this choice. I have issues with the way the tax increase is presented on the ballot. It was obvious when one of the speakers commented that she felt the police and fire would not help her because there were not enough money. I know that is not the case but using scare tactics to get your increase is below the city you represent. Please dig deeper into the budget and make sure that you have cut all the expenses that can be cut that come out of the general fund first. If you do not fix the problem throwing more money at the problem will not fix it and you will be coming back to the citizens very soon because the problem did not get fixed. Please do not do the tax increase until you have done everything you can to balance the budget and do not use scare tactics to sell this if that time comes. If you do this and your opposition finds areas that could have been cut or better managed it will reflect on the whole city. I really want to thank you for you time and I hope you make the right decision .
Good evening, thank you for taking the time to read this.
I’m puzzled on why this is even a discussion. When you were elected by the citizens of this great city, we trusted that you would keep your promises to keep our city safe and financially sound. It was never mentioned that we would need to pay more taxes to receive less services. This is very disappointing to say the least.
We need to look at cuts and spending before raising taxes. It says this would be temporary but does anyone actually believe that city spending would go down if they receive more funding? We need to be efficient with what we have and live within our means. There are always other options instead of just demanding more money as the first solution to the problem.
There were already FIVE MOTIONS at the last Council meeting to put this on the ballot. Every motion failed. Why is the Council now allowed to hold a hastily scheduled "emergency" meeting to bring it up all over again?
Dear Mayor & City Council,
I have watched the city council meetings and understand that the deficit we are in today did not start in the last couple of years. It began back in 2009 when the city council kicked the can down the road, year after year to address a balanced budget. The current city council will not be doing the same and is addressing the deficit issue with budget cuts thus far. To completely address the process, Orange needs to do a number of action items: Allow the Orange community the opportunity to VOTE for a tax increase. Based on the input from all of the car dealers and the community, I would suggest a .75% tax increase for a period of 4 years.
I keep hearing just these two topics: 1) budget cuts and 2) a tax increase. I would like to hear and see some activity and movement on developing a PILOT Program that would generate “Payment in lieu of Taxes” from Chapman College, St. Joseph, and every other non-profit in Orange. What are your plans on a PILOT program? 2) We need to have a seasoned professional involved in Economic Development or we need to hear and see the results with the current staff.
Jeff Lawrence
Orange Resident for 36 years
North Tustin Preservation Group
At your meeting this evening you need to adopt a resolution to put a measure on the November ballot that will allow the citizens of Orange to vote on whether or not there will be an increased sales tax. It is your job to adopt the resolution and it is the job of citizens to vote.
The discussions at City Council meetings have convinced us that a combination of cuts and increased revenue through taxes and other sources is the only way to manage the crisis and maintain services. The resolution needs to include a tax increase with a specified end date.
Please come together and pass a resolution to put the tax increase on the ballot and then let voters make the final decision.
Jerry and Margy Costello
The City of Orange has increased their budget more than 40% over the last three years, you can't honestly say there is no way we can cut anything from the budget. The council increased spending, increased salaries, and added more positions to the city staff. A tax increase will hurt struggling families and will crush small business owners in the city. Increase your revenue by generating more business opportunities and levying user fees rather than an across the board tax increase struggling residents.
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council,
As a resident of the City of Orange, I am urging you to vote to place a 1% sales tax measure to expire in 20 years, if not until ended by the voters, on the November ballot. Tuesday night’s meeting was extremely disappointing to watch. We elected you to lead our city and make the difficult decisions needed to move our city forward. Yet, only Councilmember Gutierrez had the courage to step up and make the motion that you all should have supported. Our Police and Fire Associations support a 1% tax measure because they understand the position the City is in. I understand no one wants to raise taxes, and no one wants to pay higher taxes. But I am willing to do so to keep our city vibrant and a place I want to raise my kids. I am surprised that no one has brought up that vital goods like groceries, medication, housing, items paid for with EBT cards, and services are exempt from sales tax.
A 1% sales tax measure would not only fix the deficit but allow the city to lead rather than follow. I’ve heard a lot about what makes Orange, Orange. Do you know what makes Orange, Orange? Its employees. Without them all the great community events everyone loves would not happen, pot holes would not be repaired, phones would not be answered, development projects would not come to fruition, and the list goes on. They are the reason all these things happen. It’s disappointing and disheartening to hear that you are asking city employees to once again give up more than they have already given including a hiring freeze. Do more with less seems to be a reoccurring theme in this city. The Mayor said City of Orange employees make less than other cities in the County. We need to stop placing the burden on city employees. How are we going to attract and retain the best employees if we cannot provide a fair and competitive compensation package. It’s time for our city leaders to do what is necessary before more of the city’s employees are poached by neighboring cities depleting the city of its most valuable resource.
I support a 1% sales tax measure on the ballot. It’s time to give the voters a chance to be heard. However, if anything less than a 1% sales tax measure is on the ballot (or if you foolishly decide on a TOT measure instead), you can count on a few no votes from this Orange household.
I would vote in favor of a .75% increase for a period no greater than five years. After the current budget problem is resolved you have pension liability to deal with (no end to problems in sight).
Lastly i want to say the defunding the police is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I fell fire and police need to have their budget cut by 5%. With 70% of the total budget being spent on those departments surely there is some fat there. Politicians love saying they have the endorsement of fire and police. If you have their endorsement, can you be objective when raises and benefits are being considered? No department can be spared a little pain in solving this budget problem.
Thank you for your service, when this is resolved I hope you all get a much-deserved stipend.
Don Dawson
I would like to state my support to the Mayor and City Council members regarding the consideration of a possible sales tax increase. I wish to see the option for our citizens to vote on this issue, and personally feel an increase would be a necessary component of the incredibly difficult solution to this deficit issue.
Tough decision but I believe we need to put on the ballot a 1% tax that only goes for 4 years. Thanks to all of you for the efforts you out in every day. Sorry this is a extremely difficult time for all of you. I believe you are the greatest team we have ever had.
you don't need to raise taxes . we pay enough taxes already .
You can’t take more money than you take in. That is basic family-budget math 101!
Raising taxes fixes nothing. If the problem were fixed prior we wouldn’t be in this situation trying to raise taxes!
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I see the challenges you are facing; I ask you do not cut our police and fire department. You need to bring a possible tax increase to vote in November. The terms should be clearly laid out and have a timeframe. Let the Orange citizens decide.
Thank you,
32 year Orange resident
People are tired of budget mis-management all across the country. Raising taxes is not the answer nor is it right. Figure it out
Reasons are misleading
Thank you for all you are doing to try and address this crisis.
As a long term resident and citizen of Orange, I believe the voters have the right to vote on this matter and it should not be shuttered in a city council meeting. By placing it on the ballot, the council is NOT passing the tax, but simply letting the citizens vote on it come November in a democratic process.
I personally believe a tax with an expiration date is preferential to a perpetual tax with no expiration date and would urge the city council to find a compromise to get something on the ballot. I would prefer a short expiration date with provisions for renewal as needed by citizen vote. That is a much easier process than citizens organizing the process to remove a tax and I do not think we should permanently provide these taxes.
I urge the council to compromise and find a proposition that is passable (in my opinion a short term tax with an extendable expiration date) come November.
Thank you again and good luck!
Hi, I attended the meeting a few days ago and will honestly say it was an education. I think the council cares very much for the city and wants to do the right thing but I disagree with this choice. I have issues with the way the tax increase is presented on the ballot. It was obvious when one of the speakers commented that she felt the police and fire would not help her because there were not enough money. I know that is not the case but using scare tactics to get your increase is below the city you represent. Please dig deeper into the budget and make sure that you have cut all the expenses that can be cut that come out of the general fund first. If you do not fix the problem throwing more money at the problem will not fix it and you will be coming back to the citizens very soon because the problem did not get fixed. Please do not do the tax increase until you have done everything you can to balance the budget and do not use scare tactics to sell this if that time comes. If you do this and your opposition finds areas that could have been cut or better managed it will reflect on the whole city. I really want to thank you for you time and I hope you make the right decision .
Good evening, thank you for taking the time to read this.
I’m puzzled on why this is even a discussion. When you were elected by the citizens of this great city, we trusted that you would keep your promises to keep our city safe and financially sound. It was never mentioned that we would need to pay more taxes to receive less services. This is very disappointing to say the least.
We need to look at cuts and spending before raising taxes. It says this would be temporary but does anyone actually believe that city spending would go down if they receive more funding? We need to be efficient with what we have and live within our means. There are always other options instead of just demanding more money as the first solution to the problem.
No more raising the tax rate.
There were already FIVE MOTIONS at the last Council meeting to put this on the ballot. Every motion failed. Why is the Council now allowed to hold a hastily scheduled "emergency" meeting to bring it up all over again?
Dear Mayor & City Council,
I have watched the city council meetings and understand that the deficit we are in today did not start in the last couple of years. It began back in 2009 when the city council kicked the can down the road, year after year to address a balanced budget. The current city council will not be doing the same and is addressing the deficit issue with budget cuts thus far. To completely address the process, Orange needs to do a number of action items: Allow the Orange community the opportunity to VOTE for a tax increase. Based on the input from all of the car dealers and the community, I would suggest a .75% tax increase for a period of 4 years.
I keep hearing just these two topics: 1) budget cuts and 2) a tax increase. I would like to hear and see some activity and movement on developing a PILOT Program that would generate “Payment in lieu of Taxes” from Chapman College, St. Joseph, and every other non-profit in Orange. What are your plans on a PILOT program? 2) We need to have a seasoned professional involved in Economic Development or we need to hear and see the results with the current staff.
Jeff Lawrence
Orange Resident for 36 years
North Tustin Preservation Group
The sales tax hike will hurt local busniess, as well as place additoanl hardships on working calss families. Say NO to tax hikes.
At your meeting this evening you need to adopt a resolution to put a measure on the November ballot that will allow the citizens of Orange to vote on whether or not there will be an increased sales tax. It is your job to adopt the resolution and it is the job of citizens to vote.
The discussions at City Council meetings have convinced us that a combination of cuts and increased revenue through taxes and other sources is the only way to manage the crisis and maintain services. The resolution needs to include a tax increase with a specified end date.
Please come together and pass a resolution to put the tax increase on the ballot and then let voters make the final decision.
Jerry and Margy Costello
The City of Orange has increased their budget more than 40% over the last three years, you can't honestly say there is no way we can cut anything from the budget. The council increased spending, increased salaries, and added more positions to the city staff. A tax increase will hurt struggling families and will crush small business owners in the city. Increase your revenue by generating more business opportunities and levying user fees rather than an across the board tax increase struggling residents.
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council,
As a resident of the City of Orange, I am urging you to vote to place a 1% sales tax measure to expire in 20 years, if not until ended by the voters, on the November ballot. Tuesday night’s meeting was extremely disappointing to watch. We elected you to lead our city and make the difficult decisions needed to move our city forward. Yet, only Councilmember Gutierrez had the courage to step up and make the motion that you all should have supported. Our Police and Fire Associations support a 1% tax measure because they understand the position the City is in. I understand no one wants to raise taxes, and no one wants to pay higher taxes. But I am willing to do so to keep our city vibrant and a place I want to raise my kids. I am surprised that no one has brought up that vital goods like groceries, medication, housing, items paid for with EBT cards, and services are exempt from sales tax.
A 1% sales tax measure would not only fix the deficit but allow the city to lead rather than follow. I’ve heard a lot about what makes Orange, Orange. Do you know what makes Orange, Orange? Its employees. Without them all the great community events everyone loves would not happen, pot holes would not be repaired, phones would not be answered, development projects would not come to fruition, and the list goes on. They are the reason all these things happen. It’s disappointing and disheartening to hear that you are asking city employees to once again give up more than they have already given including a hiring freeze. Do more with less seems to be a reoccurring theme in this city. The Mayor said City of Orange employees make less than other cities in the County. We need to stop placing the burden on city employees. How are we going to attract and retain the best employees if we cannot provide a fair and competitive compensation package. It’s time for our city leaders to do what is necessary before more of the city’s employees are poached by neighboring cities depleting the city of its most valuable resource.
I support a 1% sales tax measure on the ballot. It’s time to give the voters a chance to be heard. However, if anything less than a 1% sales tax measure is on the ballot (or if you foolishly decide on a TOT measure instead), you can count on a few no votes from this Orange household.
I would vote in favor of a .75% increase for a period no greater than five years. After the current budget problem is resolved you have pension liability to deal with (no end to problems in sight).
Lastly i want to say the defunding the police is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I fell fire and police need to have their budget cut by 5%. With 70% of the total budget being spent on those departments surely there is some fat there. Politicians love saying they have the endorsement of fire and police. If you have their endorsement, can you be objective when raises and benefits are being considered? No department can be spared a little pain in solving this budget problem.
Thank you for your service, when this is resolved I hope you all get a much-deserved stipend.
Don Dawson
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I would like to state my support to the Mayor and City Council members regarding the consideration of a possible sales tax increase. I wish to see the option for our citizens to vote on this issue, and personally feel an increase would be a necessary component of the incredibly difficult solution to this deficit issue.
Sincerely,
Cindy Sciortino
Orange 92865
30 year resident
Tough decision but I believe we need to put on the ballot a 1% tax that only goes for 4 years. Thanks to all of you for the efforts you out in every day. Sorry this is a extremely difficult time for all of you. I believe you are the greatest team we have ever had.