McMiIlan, Acquanette (Netta)
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erin_kelly -_-----
Friday, July 17, 2026 3:41 PM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Fire Dept. Parcel Tax- feedback for city council
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As much as I despise another tax being added to my already outrageous property tax bill, I am willing to help with vital services. However, I am always suspicious of government spending and how it is actually disbursed. How can we be assured the funds from this tax will be used ONLY for the fire department improvements described?
Thankyou,
Erin KelLy
District 1
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07/20/2026
Item 14
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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John Fauvre
Monday, July 20, 2026 4:05 AM
PublicComment-AutoResponse
Common Sense on Fire Safety costs
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Greetings to the Mayor, City Manager, and Councilmembers for Council Meeting tonight.
I write to urge a better study of Fire Department financial needs before asking for another large bond financing.
We all salute the heroism of our firefighters and the value of their programs to minimize fire damage and risk.
We saw from the Altadena fire that we cannot harness the whirlwind. "Containment" came only when the wind stopped.
And we have done much since then to cushion inevitable risks. Insurance cost increases have driven home safety improvements.
New building codes matter. Home yard inspections by the Fire Department help. Actual goats have reduced tinder brush. Better satellite systems can reduce fire detection times. Maybe better aircraft and drones can reduce initial response times. Maybe smaller and faster ambulance services can improve efficiency. Etc.
The contemplated bond funds would apparently strengthen and repair an old system at high cost. But could a new system in light of new insights and new tools do a better job? What do we get for what we spend? What would be my tax increase? Would I be safer? What options are likely best? Fear of catastrophes alone may not lead to the best protection.
Regards,
John Fauvre
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07/20/2026
Item 14
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Erika Foy
Monday, July 20, 2026 7:44 AM
City_Council; PublicComment-AutoResponse; Jomsky, Mark
Thoughtful Planning Before New Taxes
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Mayor Victor Gordo and Members of the Pasadena City Council, I watched Last week's discussion regarding possible new tax measures and appreciated hearing several Councilmembers acknowledge that many Pasadena residents are feeling the cumulative impact of rising costs and repeated tax increases. Recognizing that reality is an important first step in having an honest conversation about the City's financial future.
Pasadena residents have repeatedly stepped up to support important public services through local tax measures. That history of generosity should be respected by ensuring that any new tax proposal is clearly justified, carefully prioritized, and supported by transparent information.
A sales-tax increase deserves particular caution. Pasadena's long-term financial health depends on vibrant commercial districts and successful local businesses. At a time when many storefronts remain vacant and local businesses are struggling with rising rents, labor costs, and other operating expenses, the City should carefully consider whether increasing the cost of purchases in Pasadena could discourage local spending or place additional pressure on the business community. Any sales-tax proposal should be evaluated not only for the revenue it may generate, but also for its potential effect on Local commerce and the vitality of Pasadena's business districts.
Of the options under consideration, fire protection appears to deserve the strongest consideration if the Council determines that a new tax is truly necessary. The Eaton Fire was a powerful reminder that emergency preparedness, fire prevention, adequate staffing, and modern fire facilities are among the City's most fundamental responsibilities.
This need may become even more important as Pasadena prepares for substantial housing growth, including the increased density anticipated under SB 79. As the City plans for more residents, it must also ensure that public safety infrastructure and emergency response capacity are prepared to support that growth.
I also heard several speakers advocate for a real property transfer tax to support homelessness programs.
Pasadena is a compassionate and generous community, and residents want people experiencing homelessness to receive meaningful help.
Whether or not the Council advances a new tax, the City should already be preparing a clear and accessible public accounting of Pasadena's homelessness system as part of its consideration of a year-round shelter. This report should consolidate the federal, state, county, and local funding the City has received, show how those funds have been invested, summarize the measurable outcomes achieved, and identify the service and funding gaps that remain. It should also explain how a year-round shelter or any other proposed new program would address those gaps and what specific outcomes the public should expect. 07/20/2026 Item 14
This information is essential before the City determines the shelter's size, operating model, long-term cost, or location. The Council and the public need a complete understanding of the existing system before committing to a major new program and a continuingfinancial obligation.
Providing this information would strengthen public confidence and help ensure that decisions about both new revenue and a new shelter are based on demonstrated need, thoughtful planning, and clearly defined goals.
Pasadena residents have repeatedly shown that they are willing to support essential public services when the need is clearly established. But generosity should be matched by transparency, accountability, and careful stewardship of existing resources.
Whether the City is discussing shelter locations, safe parking, or new tax measures, the same standard should apply: thoughtful planning, measurable outcomes, and transparent decision-making.
Respectfully,
Erika Foy
District?
McMillan, Acquanette (Netta)
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Ken Kules <
Monday, July 20, 2026 11:18 AM
Gordo, Victor; PublicComment-AutoResponse
City Council Jul;y 20, 2026 agenda item 14
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The discussion at the July 13 meeting regarding this item suggests that the impetus behind imposing a parcel tax is the dire need to build two fire stations and a fire training center. These are capital projects with one-time funding need. That is not the basis for creating a "forever" parcel tax and should instead be addressed by issuance of bonds as was done for the Central Library. There doesn't seem to be an emergency situation that warrants this knee-jerk proposal. You should give thought to Councilmember Rivas' viewpoint that the decision on this should not be rushed.
07/20/2026
Item 14