MISSION VIEJO : Poor Turnout Could Doom Rebate Plan

A poor public turnout at a special meeting tonight could doom a controversial tax rebate proposal, according to city officials.

With the City Council split 3 to 2 against refunding part of the city’s $21-million surplus, an outpouring of supporters in favor of the rebate would be needed to keep the proposal alive, council members said Tuesday.

“I’m not sure what kind of turnout we’re going to have,” said Councilman Robert A. Curtis. “Without strong support, I don’t think the council will approve it.”

The 7 p.m. meeting will be run by a feasibility committee appointed by the council to research the tax rebates.

Under a plan proposed by Councilman William S. Craycraft in December, taxpayers would have gotten back $10 million, or about $500 for each household. But the city finance staff has since indicated that only about $5 million of the city’s surplus is not set aside for existing projects or programs.

“I think when people learn at the meeting that we’re talking about maybe a $50 refund, they’ll feel this isn’t even worth discussing,” said Councilman Robert D. Breton. “Unless there is overwhelming support, I think the whole thing will stop dead in its tracks.”

Curtis said he would like to see the issue put on the ballot in June.

“I’d like to give out a reasonable tax rebate amount,” he said. “I think a rebate referendum would be a good way to see how people really feel about the rebates.”

All five council members expressed enthusiasm over tax rebates as first proposed by Craycraft. But shortly afterward, Breton, along with Mayor Sharon Cody and Councilwoman Susan Withrow, began having second thoughts.

“Originally I was willing to say I wasn’t opposed to the concept, because it sounded exciting,” Breton said. “But the more I reflected on it, the more I became convinced the rebates would be a foolish idea.”

The council is scheduled to take up the matter on Feb. 24.