Amid ongoing budget woes, Orange is asking its voters to approve a one cent local sales tax with a 13-year lifespan and an independent oversight committee.
The tax, if Measure I is approved by voters, could eventually generate about $37 million a year toward core city services, such as public safety, park cleaning, addressing homelessness, repairing streets and potholes and infrastructure improvements, officials said.
The measure does not dedicate the additional revenue to any specific purpose or program, the funding would go into the city’s general fund.
“Before asking taxpayers for additional revenue, City Hall made tough choices first: cut more than $37.5 million from the budget, eliminated 10% of staff, improved efficiency, strengthened financial planning, and committed to accountability. Today, Orange operates with one of its leanest workforces in decades. Measure I is about building a better Orange — not expanding government,” supporters said in the ballot argument submitted in favor of the measure.
Opponents who submitted the ballot argument against the measure noted that the funding would go into the general fund with no guarantee on what the money would be used for.
“This Measure I does not offer actual solutions to pay off structural debt, retire unfunded pension liabilities or keep public spaces clean and safe,” they said, arguing, “It will be used to increase salaries and benefits.”
Statewide, 7.25% in sales tax is collected and in Orange County an additional half-cent is collected to fund transportation. If Measure I passes, purchases in Orange would be charged 8.75% in sales tax.
Measure I would need a simple majority of voters in favor to pass.