Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Placentia public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in taxes budget
Measure L / transient occupancy tax information
Voters will decide in November whether to raise the hotel and short-term lodging tax from 10% to 14%, worth about $715,000 a year. It's paid by visitors, not residents — the money stays in Placentia for police, fire, roads and parks.
Old Town EIFD Study Session Request
Council Member Hummer asked for a public study session on the Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District for Old Town, citing upcoming deadlines and questions about financing, payoff, and annual debt service.
District annexations (street lighting, landscape maintenance, public services CFD)
Property owners on ten parcels will join the street lighting, landscape and community facilities districts, sharing the cost of streetlight maintenance, landscaping and citywide public safety services. Special tax levies come later; for now only the annexations were approved.
20% Trash Collection Rate Increase Driven by State Organics Mandates
Residents complained about the 20% trash rate hike hitting small businesses. Council members explained it stems from unfunded state organics recycling mandates — separate organics bins, extra trucks — and said the city tried for two years to negotiate rates, with renegotiation on the table when the contract allows.
Annual district assessments (street lights, landscaping, CFD)
Three annual levies were set for next fiscal year: street lighting stays at $27.38 per home, landscape maintenance at $154.87, and the public services CFD rises 5% to $410.22. Four parcels were annexed into each district.
FY 2026-27 budget shortfall and structural sustainability
The city can't yet balance its budget — the mayor put forward his own cuts, mostly vacant positions, and the council agreed to keep going without one-time money. Closing the decrepit Gomez pool is on the list. The budget comes back June 30.
City Administrator Performance Evaluation
The council privately reviewed the job performance of the City Administrator, the city's top appointed official. These evaluations can shape leadership and city management but happen out of public view under state law.
Development Impact Fee and Affordable Housing Fee Adjustments
The city is adjusting various development impact fees and affordable housing fees, and the public hearing on those changes was originally set for January 27. With the meeting cancelled, the hearing now lands on February 3 — so if you build, buy, or develop in Placentia, you have a few extra days to weigh in.
CDBG Funding for FY 2026-27
Placentia was set to hold a hearing on which programs and activities to submit to Orange County for federal CDBG dollars next fiscal year. That hearing is now March 17 — the funding decides what community improvement projects get money.