June 28, 2024
City Council Special
Meeting
Written Public Comments
Item 2.1
Sales Tax Measure
Jennifer Connally
From: Stephanie Lesinski
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2024 4:09 PM
To: Pamela Coleman; City Council Public Comment; [email protected]; Arianna Barrios; Ana Gutierrez; Denis Bilodeau; Jon Dumitru; Kathy Tavoularis; John Gyllenhammer Subject:
[You don't often get email from
Dear Mayor Slater and Council Members,
I'm writing to share my opinion on the proposed tax hike. While no one wants to see higher taxes, I support Denis Bilodeau's recommendation for a 10-year half cent sales tax increase. In talking with others, there must be a sunset date. Leaving it up to the voters to end is not acceptable.
We like the proposal to have non-profits such as Chapman pay more. But we understand that this may not be enough and that events and some services may need to end. We would like to see the City pursue more public/private partnerships. The most important thing is not to cut critical services such as fire and police.
Thank you for all of your hard work dealing with these difficult decisions.
Sincerely,
Stephanie (Lesinski) Tilhof
Orange resident
Jennifer Connally
From:
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2024 12:38 PM
To: City Council Public Comment
Subject: Proposed tax
You dont often get email from Learn why this is important I am a 45 year resident of Orange living in District 3 represented by Kathy Tarvoularis. I believe it is imperative that the citizens of Orange have the opportunity to vote on any proposed tax increase before the City Council enacts said "tax".
1 City Council - Special Meeting
Meeting Time: 06-28-24 16:30
eComments Report
Meetings Meeting Agenda Comments Support Oppose Neutral Time Items
City Council - Special Meeting 06-28-24 44 15 26 0
16:30
City Council - Special Meeting
06-28-24 16:30
Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral
2.1. City of Orange Public Safety/City Services Local General 42 14 25 0 Transactions and Use Tax (Sales Tax). (Continued from June 25, 2024.)
2.2. City of Orange Public Safety/City Services Transient Occupancy Tax 2 1 1 0 Measure.
Agenda Item: eComments for 2.1. City of Orange Public Safety/City Services Local General Transactions and Use Tax (Sales Tax). (Continued from June 25, 2024.)
Overall Sentiment
Support (33%) Oppose (59%) | Neutral (0%)
No Response (7%)
Guest User
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Submitted At: 4:21pm 06-28-24
Putting a temporary 1/2% tax increase on the November ballot Diana Caballero
30+ year Resident
Guest User
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Submitted At: 4:11pm 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 3:33pm 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 3:21pm 06-28-24
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.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 3:15pm 06-28-24
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?
Guest User
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Submitted At: 2:55pm 06-28-24
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.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 2:33pm 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 2:24pm 06-28-24
Too many pencil pushers at some departments.
Johnny Pham
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Submitted At: 2:13pm 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 1:27pm 06-28-24
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.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 1:26pm 06-28-24
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.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 1:23pm 06-28-24
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 Guest User
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Submitted At: 12:46pm 06-28-24
You can't spend more money than you take in! That is basic family-budget math 101! Guest User
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Submitted At: 12:23pm 06-28-24
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?
Guest User
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Submitted At: 12:19pm 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 12:17pm 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 12:16pm 06-28-24
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! Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:54am 06-28-24
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 not raise taxes! Thank you
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:51am 06-28-24
Taxation is out of control. Make the necessary adjustments to work with the current budget.
Patricia Waasted
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Submitted At: 11:49am 06-28-24
I would like a vote on the tax increase
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:47am 06-28-24
you don't need to raise taxes. we pay enough taxes already.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:44am 06-28-24
You can't take more money than you take in. That is basic family-budget math 101! Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:36am 06-28-24
Raising taxes fixes nothing. If the problem were fixed prior we wouldn't be in this situation trying to raise taxes! Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:28am 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:18am 06-28-24
People are tired of budget mis-management all across the country. Raising taxes is not the answer nor is it right.
Figure it out
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:17am 06-28-24
Reasons are misleading
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:14am 06-28-24
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!
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:12am 06-28-24
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.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:12am 06-28-24
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.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:11am 06-28-24
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.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:55am 06-28-24
No more raising the tax rate.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:37am 06-28-24
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? Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:25am 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 10:21am 06-28-24
The sales tax hike will hurt local busniess, as well as place additoan hardships on working calss families. Say NO to tax hikes.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 9:24am 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:51am 06-28-24
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.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:32am 06-28-24
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.
Don Dawson
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Submitted At: 7:31am 06-28-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 11:24pm 06-27-24
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
Guest User
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Submitted At: 8:19pm 06-27-24
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.
Doug Hamilton
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Submitted At: 7:49pm 06-27-24
City Councilmembers and Mayor Slater,
The issue at hand isn't really whether to increase the Sales Tax or not. The voters decide that, not the council.
Your job on Friday, as I see it, is to vote to give the residents the right to discuss, deliberate and ultimately vote on this issue. I would like you to come together with a unanimous vote to put this topic on the ballot. We as a community have spent hours discussing the topic, attended meetings sponsored by the city, done research and studied the topic, written and submitted suggestions for your consideration. Ending this discussion without the right to vote is simply wrong. I'm asking you to compromise and find a way for all Councilmembers to vote "YES" to put this topic on the ballot. I am in favor of a 4-year Sales Tax increase, and I would like to see further budget cuts and the implementation of reasonable revenue generation proposals! I live in District 3 and would like to specifically request that Kathy Tavoularis vote yes so that my family will have the opportunity to vote on this issue.
Thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication! Sincerely,
Doug Hamilton
Orange Resident 37 years
Guest User
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Submitted At: 5:54pm 06-27-24
Dear Mayor & City Council,
Our financial issues are what they are. With few, if any, other plausible suggestions as to how we can solve our deficit, a sales tax has been proposed as a possible way we can reduce our financial woes. No one likes taxes, but no one that loves Orange likes the deficit we're in. We need to solve this problem. Whether you are for or against a small sales tax increase, the issue should be put on the ballot, so that every citizen of Orange can have a say. That's democracy. Please allow the issue to be put to the voters of Orange. It has been debated as to the length of time the potential sales tax would remain in effect. Ten or more years may preclude some from being in favor of a sales tax increase. Perhaps a short-term sales tax increase of four years, or for the remainder of your terms in office, would be something the voters of Orange would be for, given the hole we're in. I'd like to thank Mayor Slater and the City Council for the actions you've taken so far in handling our budget deficit, and ask you to put the issue of a sales tax increase on the ballot so the voters of Orange can have their say. Thanks! Michael Ristig
Orange, CA 92865
Agenda Item: eComments for 2.2. City of Orange Public Safety/City Services Transient Occupancy Tax Measure.
Overall Sentiment
Support (50%) Oppose (50%) Neutral (0%)
# No Response (0%)
Guest User
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Submitted At: 4:21pm 06-28-24
While I support an increase a big reason that TOT is not a large or growing revenue source is due to lackluster ED efforts to attract and retain.
Guest User
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Submitted At: 7:41am 06-28-24
I do not support a TOT measure at this time. This is something that could be revisited in the future once the city can boast a healthy budget again. The annual funds expected to be received by an increase in TOT does not even make a dent in the current deficit. If you are going to ask the voters to vote on a revenue increasing measure, go big or go home. Don't ask me to vote on a TOT measure, only to ask me to vote on a sales tax measure next election because you find out it didn't get the City anywhere.