“DEREK LAZZARO:
”I support a replacement for Measure E to ensure that we can keep the PVE Police. Disbanding the Police Department and moving to the Sheriff’s would be a disaster for our city. 1) The Sheriff’s union has 18,000 members/employees and the Sheriff has a $4 billion budget – there is no chance our small city would be successful in keeping contract costs low long-term! 2) PVE residents would be subject to the training and rules of engagement set forth by the LA County Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff – we would lose local control. 3) I believe service levels would suffer as the Sheriff’s Department does not prioritize non-violent/non-injury calls.

I believe the new Measure E replacement will need at least 3 million dollars on top of the current 5 million dollars to keep up with inflation and other rising costs over the past several years. I also support an inflation adjustment and no shorter than a 10-year sunset provision. We need to signal to our local police how much we value them and want to keep them in our community!

The city should distribute newsletters and hold in-person and Zoom public forums to solicit input from the community regarding this critical issue.””

“DESIREE ‘“DEZ” MYERS:
”Clarification: This fiscal year, FY24-25, the Council passed a $2.5 million cash deficit budget concurrently with increasing debt. This requires our reserves to be depleted to stay afloat. This is not sustainable. This occurred even after receiving $3.1 million in federal COVID funds and almost a million saved each year by staff vacancies for 4 years. Once fully staffed, the deficit rate will increase until we run out of savings to pay for the negative cash flow.

Residents are unaware of the deficit budgets and pension debt. So, whose fault is that?

The City told residents they “solved the pension issue” by passing a pension policy. Yet, the policy did not stop new debt or address existing debt. Debt has subsequently increased substantially.

Full disclosure and candor are needed by City Leaders. Funds need to be directed to residents’ priorities.

1. To address the City’s looming revenue shortfall, I would first provide critical facts to residents. Treat them like adults. Listen and provide options. We need to implement efficiencies, seek non-tax revenue and stop wasting funds on low-priority projects such as tree inventories, before we require more taxes.
2. I would support placing a measure on the ballot that has resident support after other due diligence by Council. This requires engagement of residents and polling.
3. If a new tax needs to be drafted, I would minimize it first, by taking the steps mentioned above.””

“CRAIG QUINN:
”In light of the fact that PVE relies so heavily on property taxes, we need to explore non-tax revenue in every area possible, some are short term updates to our business tax fees and permits, potential parking fees in Malaga cove near the Beach Club, Malaga Cove parking lot and locations along Paseo Del Mar for non-residents.

It’s possible with the support of our City officials and residents, we have potential of up to $3,000,000 for these and other efforts.

An increased Parcel tax will be critical to maintain services here in PVE. I support an overall Parcel tax increase once Measure E expires, should our residents be in support. The City may need to combine revenue alternatives from multiple sources to meet total revenue requirements. I support including an annual escalator which starts lower and adjusts annually in order to maintain pace with inflation. Had this been done previously, the current situation would be less difficult to resolve.

Transparency is key. Including the residents via a combination of committee(s), input and external communications and outreach in the Parcel tax process will be critical. Town Hall updates should also be deployed. Accurate and timely financial costs and projections are paramount to maintain trust in the process. In the end, we must make decisions on what is overall best options for all of our residents, respecting their feedback and representing their desires for revenue vs. Services.””