Highlighting this week’s public meeting agendas in Orange County is funding for Downtown Inc., which has been the center of a prolonged battle over a special property tax that funds the downtown booster organization. Council members are to consider authorizing the Orange County Auditor-Controller to levy the tax for the next fiscal year and possibly dissolving the tax district.
But whether the council may even consider the levy could depend on whether Councilman Carlos Bustamante, facing 12 felony charges for alleged sexual assault crimes, will attend the council meeting. Council members have been unable to achieve a quorum and thus unable to consider the issue at recent council meetings.
Also, an Aug. 31 deadline to submit the tax to the county auditor-controller has expired, effectively ending the tax for the next year.
A group of property owners have been fighting the tax for more than a year, arguing that it was imposed undemocratically and that they receive no benefit from it. The property owners were armed with new ammunition after a recently released Orange County grand jury report concurred with their sentiments and declared that the tax district was formed illegally.
Santa Ana City Council, Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 5:45 p.m.
- A special downtown property tax that funds the booster organization Downtown Inc. However, the issue likely won’t be considered because of council member conflicts of interest and one councilman – charged with multiple sex crimes — dodging open session meetings.
- A joint use agreement with Garfield Elementary School to provide more public open space.
Closed Session
- Annual performance review of the city clerk.
Tustin City Council, Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m.
- Response to the Orange County grand jury report calling a council member’s attempt to influence university officials unethical.
Mission Viejo City Council
- Improving the city’s aquatics center.
Closed Session
- City manager evaluation.