By Lauren Korduner
Budget amendments presented during the March 1 regular meeting of the City Council suggest La Palma is on track for a surplus at the end of this fiscal year.
The latest figures include sales tax revenue generated during the winter holiday shopping season.
The surplus is expected to be $340,000.
“We feel very strongly that we are beating what our previous estimates were, and it’s just a very good feeling to have,” said City Manager Conal McNamara.
Financial consultant Mike Matsumoto broke down the numbers.
The budget adopted in June 2021 accounts for a yearly sales tax revenue of $1.3 million.
After factoring in sales tax from November, December and January, Matsumoto now estimates that figure will be closer to $1.86 million. Analysis from outside firm HdL suggests that figure could be even greater.
Revenues from property tax and transaction and use taxes are also expected to go up.
Federal interest rates are expected to increase thereby causing a decrease of income from city investments, and the budget was updated to reflect that. Still, those projected losses were offset by gains in revenue.
“This is a true budget surplus,” Matsumoto said.
Division 7 Fire Chief Mike Petro retires
The city council recognized retiring Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Mike Petro after his decades of service.
The chamber filled with laughter during a jocular exchange between the outgoing chief and Mayor Michele Steggell, who chairs the OCFA board.
“Are you sure you want to go?” she asked.
“I waited ‘til my paperwork was filed before I told Michele so she couldn’t talk me out of it,” the chief said.
Mayor Steggell invited Petro to speak before she read the proclamation in his honor.
“It is bittersweet,” he said, looking back on nearly 39 years of service.
“I’ve had a wonderful career. It’s been very rewarding, more than I ever thought it would’ve been, especially to finish up these two years as division chief.”
He began his career as volunteer in 1984 and joined OCFA in 1989. He retires as chief of Division 7, which serves Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma, and Stanton.
Petro said he forged meaningful professional relationships in his last two years as chief.
“And they were challenging years because of Covid. They are special. That’s what makes it hard to leave…It was enjoyable getting to know everybody even under difficult circumstances.”
Petro leaves a bit of a legacy. He has two children in fire service.
Other business:
The city council passed the following items 5-0, unanimous consent, without discussion.
Approval to allow the city manager to engage in an agreement with a consultant to gage public appetite for an increase in the transient occupancy tax. This tax is only applied when renting rooms at hotels within city limits. If palatable to voters, the measure will appear on the November ballot.
Street closures during the upcoming Festival of Nations parade in April.
Filed a notice of completion with the Orange County Recorder for improvements made on Moody Street.
Invocation mentioned the conflict in Ukraine began the meeting
Father Binh Nguyen of St. Irenaeus Church delivered a moving and timely invocation ahead of official city council business.
As he began, Father Nguyen encouraged all present to pray from their own traditions. The entire invocation follows.
“God of justice and mercy, your truth is unchanging and your love boundless.”
“As we gather here today in this council chamber, we thank you for our freedom and democracy, our fellowship and our family. Let us never take these blessings for granted as we see other peoples and nations still struggle for their rights and freedom, particularly the people of the Ukraine.”
“We pray that you guide us with your wisdom and sustain us with your power, so that we may discern your will, may do the right, and promote the welfare of the people of this great city of La Palma.”
“But most of all, create in us a new heart, a compassionate and loving heart, for those who struggle and suffer in life, so that each of us may be an agent of change, of peace, and of love in our world.”
“You who are God forever and ever. Amen.”