What MEASURE Z DOES
Yes on Z will keep our tax dollars local to address our local priorities – not Sacramento or corporate interests. Measure Z will ensure Orange can:
Maintain 911 response, fire, police, and paramedic services
Prevent theft and property crimes
Keep parks safe and clean
Prepare and respond to wildfires
Ensure children have safe places to play and safe routes to school
Reduce homelessness
Measure Z Does Not Increase the Costs of Important Necessities
This half-cent sales tax does not apply to important necessities, including groceries (fruits, vegetables, other uncooked foods), medicine, medical care, dental services, rent, mortgages, insurance, or property taxes. This half-cent sales tax expires automatically after 10 years – and nobody can extend it except the voters of Orange.
Read the full text of Measure Z for yourself:
Measure Z Protects Taxpayers
Measure Z requires annual audits by an independent accounting firm. The firm will audit proceeds from Measure Z and how the funds are spent.
Measure Z requires a seven-member Independent Citizens’ Advisory Committee. The committee will review all income from Measure Z, all spending that uses Measure Z funds, and the annual audit reports related to Measure Z. The committee will also submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations to the City Council at a public meeting.
Can’t We Just Cut Spending?
This crisis is the result of poor management that must be rectified. The two opponents of Measure Z say that Orange just needs more budget cuts, but our City Council has already done that: $5,000,000 in budget cuts this year, millions in deferred maintenance, 40 City government positions being kept vacant, and even 5 firefighter positions being kept vacant. The current council has made those cuts and is determined to rebuild economic development. However, that is not enough to stay ahead of rising costs and inflation to maintain Orange’s quality of life and the safety of our families.