Orange Voters to Decide on 1-Cent Sales Tax Measure This November

Voters in the City of Orange will decide this November whether to approve a 1-cent local sales tax increase aimed at helping address the city’s growing budget challenges and maintain public services. The measure was placed on the ballot by the Orange City Council following concerns over a projected budget deficit in the coming fiscal year.  

If approved, the measure would increase the local sales tax by one percentage point for 13 years, with city officials estimating it could generate approximately $37 million annually. According to city leaders, the additional revenue would help fund essential services such as police and fire protection, street maintenance, parks, libraries, and other general city operations while helping close a projected budget shortfall of more than $20 million.  

Supporters argue the measure would provide a stable source of funding to maintain city services without making deeper cuts, while opponents have raised concerns about increasing taxes and how the additional revenue would be managed. The proposal is expected to become one of the most closely watched local issues on Orange’s November ballot.  

For Orange residents, the measure could have a direct impact on both future city services and the amount paid on taxable purchases, making it one of the most significant local decisions voters will face this election season.