Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Paramount public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in taxes budget
Proposition 1 Endorsement
The council was asked to formally back Proposition 1, a $11.25 billion state bond for veterans and affordable housing on the November 3 ballot, including $1.25 billion for veteran housing.
Federal Housing and Community Development Results (CAPER)
The city's annual report to HUD showed strong results: alley improvements served 39,000+ residents over five years, the senior program beat its goal, and fair housing services exceeded targets — and the council signed off on sending it to the feds.
Opposition to Proposition 43
The statewide measure would require a two-thirds vote to approve new local special taxes, which the city says would make it much harder to fund fire, roads, parks and housing services. Paramount joined a broad coalition of cities opposing it.
Emergency HVAC Repairs at City Facilities
The gym at Paramount Park and City Hall needed emergency HVAC work, costing about $179,000 pulled from the equipment replacement fund. Expect better climate control at those buildings.
Commercial and Industrial Parcel Tax Ballot Measure
The city is eyeing a new tax on commercial, industrial, and vacant parcels — not homes — to close a looming budget deficit, with a three-year phase-in. Next step is a community survey to test voter support for the November 2026 ballot.
2026 Municipal Election Results Certified and Council Reorganization
Paramount voters will pick two at-large council members on June 2, consolidated with the statewide election. Nomination papers can be filed February 9 through March 6.
Delinquent Refuse Collection Charges Placed on Tax Roll
257 households and properties with unpaid 2025 trash bills will have those balances added to their county property tax bills after July 31. Owners got up to six notices and can still pay before the deadline.
Homelessness Services Funding via Home-ARP
The city renewed its $150,000 contract with Family Promise of Los Angeles to deliver homelessness services in FY 2026-27 using federal Home-ARP money.
New Teamsters contracts with pay raises
City Public Works and Public Safety employees get 4%, 4% and 5% raises over three years, plus certification pay, better vacation and sick-leave benefits, and free summer camp for employees' kids. Funding was already in the adopted budget.
FY 2026-2027 city budget and structural deficit warning
The governor's proposed $348.9 billion budget projects a $2.9 billion deficit and a $22 billion hole by 2027-28 — Cal Cities warns that means tough choices ahead on funding for housing, homelessness, and public safety.
Replacing the city's 20-year-old financial software
The city's core software — payroll, water billing, budgets, purchasing — is over two decades old and being phased out. A $600,000 five-year Tyler Technologies system will automate paper processes like timecards and invoice routing.
Orange Avenue Industrial Park landscaping assessment
The annual landscape assessment for the 29-parcel Orange Avenue Industrial Park stays flat at about $14,200 after a hearing with no opposition.
Staff Vacancies Under AB 2561
The city is running an 8% vacancy rate — three open jobs, two of them frozen for budget reasons. That's well under the 20% state threshold, so no extra union reporting or pay actions are required.
CDBG/HOME Federal Grant Spending
The city is redirecting about $77,600 from its senior enrichment program to a new Paramount Shelter Bed Program under its federal grant plan, plus rolling over leftover home improvement money.