10A - MINUTES 7-17-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Connie Hamilton, thanked City Council for supporting Connect -to -Council. Concerned with the increases and advising everyone to vote no on bond and tax increases. • Peter A. Katz, opined City of Santa Ana cannot afford a tax increase. Express opposition to tax increase. • Cecilia Iglesias, requested City Council to not place a sales tax increase on the ballot. Opined residents have been burdened with tax increases over the past ten years. • David Villagran, concerned with sales tax increase. • Magda Gomez, requested City Council to reconsider sales tax increase. Opined difficulty in buying basic needs and school supplies • Mike Tardif, expressed opposition to sales tax. Opined sales tax will negatively affect his business. • Peter Whittingham, representing Orange County Auto Dealers' Association, thanked City Council for amendments to create a buy local program and encouraged City Council to reaffirm their commitment. Council discussion ensued. Councilmember Benavides, noted fiscal year faces a $10 million deficit, revenue is not keeping up with expenses, and need to look at other economic developments. Opined not giving the residents opportunity to address deficit would likely cause the city to face a potential bankruptcy, need to take action or face a decrease in services, and necessity to have a sunset provision. Expressed concern over placing a tax burden on the residents in perpetuity. Expressed support for one and a half percent tax for 10 years, reduction to one percent for the remaining 10 years with sunset provision upon conclusion, and inclusion of citizen oversight review board to monitor how funds are expended. Asked if ballot title can be revised at a future date. Councilmember Villegas, opined city is not receiving sufficient revenue to sustain current services, current city employment vacancies at 189, and tax increase would allow city to make significant impact to provide services and repair of parks and streets. Noted Prop. 13 limits amount of revenue city can generate from properties, responsibility to inform residents, and need to allow residents to make the decision. Express support for one and a half percent tax increase for 10 years with sunset provision upon conclusion. Councilmember Tinajero, noted car sales tax is calculated by where the buyer lives and will not deter people from buying a car in Santa Ana, Santa Ana residents will receive tax back in the form of a rebate check, and groceries will not be taxed. Opined city does not receive sales tax for online purchases, need to pursue a buy local program, and residents will decide what quality of life they want. Directed staff to conduct community meetings and outreach. Councilmember Solorio, expressed opposition to tax increase. Opined sales tax is a regressive tax, tax proposal is largely a staff driven process, and tax CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 14 JULY 17, 2018 1 OA -14