Community Voice

I would support increase in usage fees and fines to support the program but same time would like to see reduce in those services during financially hard time.
If the city's revenue were reduced by 20% then the city should reduce service by 10% and increase the fees / fines about 10% to meet somewhere in middle ground.

I would support fee increases on programs after a close examination of the impact on the programs. I would also support a reasonable increase in fees after close examination of the impact on residents. We do not want to drive our residents or businesses out of the city. La Palma should research a paramedic fee similar to the one in Buena Park.

As long as the new fees are not excessive, I would support increases in fees and fines to support necessary programs. The city needs to encourage more businesses to open in La Palma to bring in more tax dollars. There are way too many empty buildings in La Palma making the city look like it is not business friendly.

I agree with Ms Pereira, The problem is too much of our budget is spent in other areas, they need to be reassessed.

Reduced revenue has to be met with reduced salaries and services.

I would support fee increases for programs that are clearly desired by residents but only after reducing or eliminating personnel expenditures for non-essential programs and services. The question matters. For example, most residents would probably answer "Yes" to the question "Would you pay higher taxes and fees for recreation services?". If you asked the question, "Would you pay higher taxes and fees for recreation services so all proceeeds can be spent to lower employee pension contributions?" you'd get different feedback. The how is just as important as the why and the what. The amount is only one variable in a bigger equation. Few people want to pay more to "maintain" something they believe is excessive or inefficient but they will pay more to sustain something they value and know to be efficient, practical and cost-effective.