Fountain Valley ballot measure will seek 1% sales tax increase

A measure on the Nov. 8 ballot will ask Fountain Valley residents to approve a 1% sales tax increase as a means of helping the city reach financial sustainability.

The City Council voted 4 to 1 on Tuesday to take the request to the voters. Councilman Mark McCurdy dissented.

Finance director David Cain said the 1% increase would generate about $11.5 million per year for the city. The tax would not apply to groceries or prescription medication, and it would be in effect for no longer than 20 years.

Cain called it the most viable solution since revenue would remain within the city.

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He said Fountain Valley currently needs $1.7 million of its general reserve fund to help balance its 2016-17 budget and added that if fiscal troubles are ignored, the city would be out of money by 2020.

Water restrictions loosened

Fountain Valley residents will now be able to water their lawns three days a week.

The City Council unanimously approved the slight relaxing of its water restrictions by adding a day to the two days that had been permitted. Residents may now water lawns between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

City and schools are allowed to water lawns between the same hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The new watering schedule, which goes into effect immediately, will not affect the city’s ability to meet its conservation target, said managment analyst Betsy Eglash.

According to a staff report, the city is saving more than its 2013 baseline target of 20%.

Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown ordered mandatory water restrictions to deal with the state’s five-year drought, but cutbacks have been eased after spring storms boosted reservoirs.

Postcards will be mailed to residents detailing the latest change in the city’s water schedule. The city website will also be updated to reflect recent changes.

Vega is a contributor to Times Community News.