Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mission Viejo public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in taxes budget
Short-term rentals and transient occupancy tax
The TOT ordinance doesn't raise the 8% tax but adds teeth — suspension and revocation of registrations for operators who don't pay or file. A Zoom caller urged the city to ban short-term rentals outright, and a council member suggested studying a ban, especially with the 2028 Olympics coming.
City employee compensation and council candidacy of Brian Zahn
Several speakers, organized by South OC for Democracy, raised concerns that council candidate Bryan Zahn accepted donations from businesses holding city contracts, questioned his past overtime as a city supervisor, and tied him to flock cameras and pesticide decisions. The mayor called it campaign-season noise.
Public Service Department Overtime Questions
A resident flagged what he called unexplained, hefty overtime in the Public Service Department — including one retiring employee who reportedly doubled his pay — and asked why.
Animal Services Vehicle and Wastewater Pump Replacement
The city bought a new 2027 Ford F-350 animal control truck and funding for a shelter wastewater pump replacement, totaling about $163,000 from the Animal Services Fund.
Property tax misallocation between Mission Viejo and Laguna Niguel
If Edison wins its lawsuit against the State Board of Equalization, Mission Viejo could owe about $206,000 in refunded property taxes over five years.
November 3, 2026 Municipal Election
All five council districts are up for election this November. Candidates can pull and file nomination papers from July 13 to August 8, 2026, and candidate statements cost candidates roughly $540-$551 each.
FY 2026-27 Sheriff's Contract and Police Services Cost
The $25.55 million law enforcement agreement is the city's largest annual expense, but this year's increase was just 0.03%. Mission Viejo pays $283 per resident — far below Laguna Beach's $1,207 — and a pending deputy union negotiation could raise future costs.
Senior Mobility Program Changes
The senior Dial-A-Taxi program tripled since the pandemic and is running out of Measure M2 grant money. New rules: 10 rides a month, $5 per ride, no more airport runs, and a new $10 DMV trip to San Clemente.
Mid-Year Budget Pressure
Staff warned the council that a consultant now projects sales tax coming in $2 million below estimates and property-tax-in-lieu of VLF is down $1.8 million — partly because the state reassigned sales tax from the Tesla dealership at the Shops at Mission Viejo.