Orange voters showed support in this November election for two ballot measures that would extend a financial lifeline to the city, but a majority were not interested in a charter proposal.
Beset by city budget woes, Orange councilmembers offered constituents Measure I, a one-cent local sales tax with a 13-year lifespan and an independent oversight committee, and Measure J, a 4% increase to the city’s tax on overnight stays for hotels with 11 or more rooms.
As of Friday night’s update of ballot counting, Measure I was passing with more than 54% of the vote and Measure J with more than 59%.
Election results: See results for Orange and other races
The city faces a projected $27.6 million deficit fueled by rising costs against scant revenue increases, with councilmembers in recent years voting for cuts to staff and city services to address the shortfall.
Voters, in 2024, narrowly rejected a half-cent local sales tax measure that was estimated to generate about $19 million annually.
City staffers project Measure I will eventually bring approximately $37 million annually to city coffers and Measure J to generate $3 million annually. The measures do not dedicate the additional revenue to any specific purpose or program; the funding would go into the city’s general fund.
Orange Mayor Dan Slater said this week after the close of polls, “I’m very excited about the prospect of I and J.”
Slater, who is leading in his own reelection race, mentioned potential improvements to “infrastructure and roads,” adding the funds could help “make sure our debt doesn’t grow and that our reserves are increased.”
“You know, everything we can do to put Orange on solid financial footing,” he said.
But returns showed a lack of support for Measure K, which proposed Orange transition from a general law city to a charter city — a municipality governed by its own charter, or local constitution, and with some leeway to diverge from state laws.
More than 64% of voters were opposed Measure K as of Thursday.
The OC Registrar of Voters will update results most days at 5 p.m., until the counting is complete.