Orange voters showed support in this November election for two ballot measures that would extend a financial lifeline to the city, but a majority were not interested in a charter proposal.<\/p>\n
Beset by city budget woes, Orange councilmembers offered constituents Measure I<\/a>, a one-cent local sales tax with a 13-year lifespan and an independent oversight committee, and Measure J,<\/a> a 4% increase to the city\u2019s tax on overnight stays for hotels with 11 or more rooms.<\/p>\n As of Friday night\u2019s update of ballot counting, Measure I was passing with more than 54% of the vote and Measure J with more than 59%.<\/p>\n Election results: See results for Orange and other races<\/a><\/p>\n The city faces a projected $27.6 million deficit fueled by rising costs against scant revenue increases, with councilmembers in recent years voting for cuts to staff and city services to address the shortfall.<\/p>\n Voters, in 2024, narrowly rejected a half-cent local sales tax measure that was estimated to generate about $19 million annually.<\/p>\n City staffers project Measure I will eventually bring approximately $37 million annually to city coffers and Measure J to generate $3 million annually. The measures do not dedicate the additional revenue to any specific purpose or program; the funding would go into the city\u2019s general fund.<\/p>\n Orange Mayor Dan Slater said this week after the close of polls, \u201cI\u2019m very excited about the prospect of I and J.\u201d<\/p>\n