The city of Orange is at a crossroads, with residents set to vote in November on whether to adopt a charter city status. This shift could grant the city more control over its operations, but it also comes with complexities and uncertainties.
The City Council approved the measure 4-3 during its July 14 meeting, setting the stage for the ballot initiative. Councilmembers Arianna BarriosAna Gutierrez and John Gyllenhammer opposed the proposal, citing concerns about timing and the need for further discussion.
The case for charter city status
Proponents of the charter city status argue that it will provide Orange with greater autonomy in areas such as city planningcontracting and revenue management. The city is currently grappling with a significant budget deficit, and consultants have warned that without substantial changes, Orange could face bankruptcy by 2029.
Councilmember Kathy Tavoularis who introduced the charter idea, believes it could be a crucial step in addressing the city’s financial challenges. “If you talk to people from other charter cities, Anaheim included, they’ll tell you the benefits that they have from it,” Tavoularis said. She emphasized that the move is about giving voters more options to shape the city’s future.
Understanding the implications
The transition to a charter city would mean that Orange is no longer bound by all state laws and mandates. Instead, it could establish its own rules on various issues, including mayoral authorityterm limits and financial management. However, the extent of these changes depends on what is included in the charter.
Jodi Balma a political science professor at Fullerton College, noted that becoming a charter city does not exempt Orange from all state regulations. “The idea that being a charter city absolves you of all state regulation is not true,” Balma explained. “How does a charter city change the finances? That depends what’s in the charter. But cities get their revenue from taxes. The charter itself does not magically give the money.”
Balma also highlighted that voters can amend the charter later if needed. “Residents can put charter amendments on the ballot,” she added. “Some of the cities have done good governance charter amendments, or written it in to begin with, and other cities have used that power to block the public out.”
Key provisions of the proposed charter
The proposed charter outlines several significant changes for Orange. Here are some of the key provisions:
Fiscal responsibility
The charter includes rules aimed at ensuring fiscal responsibility. For instance, the city would be required to adopt a balanced budget and conduct an annual independent audit. The charter prioritizes the use of general funds for repairing public infrastructure, replenishing reserves, and reducing outstanding debt.
Term limits
The proposed charter also addresses elections, district boundaries, and term limits. To run for office, a resident must have lived in Orange for at least 30 days. Additionally, no person can serve as mayor for more than two four-year terms in a lifetime, and no person can serve as a city council member for more than three four-year terms in a lifetime.
Open space reserve
A unique aspect of the proposed charter is the designation of areas for the preservation of parks, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources. These areas would be restricted to uses such as recreation and park activities.
You can read the full proposed charter here.
The decision to adopt a charter city status is not without its challenges. Opponents have raised concerns about the timing and the need for more thorough discussion before moving forward. As Orange residents prepare to vote, the outcome of this ballot measure could significantly shape the city’s future.
