Your Understanding of Measure U for Rossmoor

*Pro-Side Article*

>>>> Concerning your understanding of Measure “U”- for Rossmoor Cityhood <<<<

We on the YES side encourage all of you, who are displaying NO signs, to also GET THE TRUTH “concerning OC services” directly from Supervisor John Moorlach’s Office yourself by Email.

>> The following are two responses from his office to a fellow Rossmoor resident’s request! <<

From: Candy Marshall, Rossmoor resident

Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:47 AM
To: Moorlach, John, Chairman, OC Board of Supervisors

Subject: Can you help me educate Rossmoor

Good morning John,

Not sure it you remember me, we meant when I was chairing Rossmoor’s 50^th anniversary parade.

I am voting Yes on U. Many of my friends and neighbors are asking me for proof that that the county is running a deficit for expenses in Rossmoor. If this is true, what are the options if we do not incorporate?

Many Rossmoorians believe that everything will stay exactly as it is today with no changes what so ever if we do not incorporate. It would be very helpful, if you can tell me the facts as you know them, and what happens without incorporation? Kindest regards, Candy Marshall

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From: Moorlach, John [mailto:John.Moorlach@ocgov.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 6:02 PM
To: Candy Marshall, Rossmoor resident
Subject: RE: Can you help me educate Rossmoor

Candy,

Let’s just look at one expenditure facing the County — ‘pension and retiree medical costs’ — that would not be facing a fresh, new City of Rossmoor.

The County’s retirement system may have lost up to 25 percent in value the last 12 months (which is the case for CalPERS).  This means our annual contribution of $306 million to our pension fund is destined to increase significantly.  And our retiree medical contribution of $26 million is also going to rise.  Where will the additional funds come from?  We’ll have to cut back in almost every area.

A City of Rossmoor would have no unfunded liabilities to pay.  Therefore, fresh start without the legacy costs.  It’s like starting a new auto company over buying General Motors. This could be the best time for Rossmoor to incorporate in history, from this perspective alone. I hope that helps. John

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From: Francis, Rick [mailto:Rick.Francis@ocgov.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:26 PM
To: Candy Marshall, Rossmoor resident
Cc: Moorlach, John
Subject: RE: Can you help me educate Rossmoor

Candy,

The Supervisor asked me to respond to your email. I addressed some of the budget issues the County is facing last night at the RCSD Board Meeting. If you have access to that, I spoke right after Lt. Gallivan from OCSD. In a nutshell, given the dire condition the State is in, there is still not a crystal clear picture of how the County will be impacted. What we know for certain is that due to flattened sales tax revenues, the Sheriff’s Department will undoubtedly ask for additional general fund dollars before this current fiscal year ends. About half of their $700 million budget comes from the sales tax revenues. Once they ask for additional general fund dollars, which they will likely receive because “their core mission is public safety”, all other municipal services will be impacted. This may occur mid-year at the earliest (which is January in our fiscal year).

In addition to that, the County depends heavily upon property tax revenues to fund general operations. With the housing market in the shape it is in, we will see a flattening in those revenues. It would be interesting to see how Rossmoor is faring in comparison to the rest of the county in terms of home values. If it is doing better than most areas, incorporation might really make sense.

For sure, the landscape of our budget will change dramatically at the start of the next fiscal year in July 2009. What that means for Rossmoor, and all other unincorporated islands, is that “non-essential services” like — animal control; street sweeping; non-urgent code enforcement; non-urgent road maintenance and non-urgent tree trimming will all be subject to substantial reductions. We believe it is not a matter of “if” but “when” this will occur. Hope that helps… Rick Francis

Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of John M.W. Moorlach, Chairman, Orange County Board of Supervisors (714) 834-3220 Office (714) 834-6109 Fax

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——- Candy Marshall, writes ——-

The No’s really need to get informed, that things are changing, and this is Rossmoor’s opportunity to get out! It now makes sense why the OC Sheriffs Union is funding No on “U”, they need our money, to fund their pensions. I encourage everyone to email your questions directly to our Supervisor, Mr. Moorlach.

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—— Ray LeCompte, Rossmoor Resident, Thursday, October 16^th, 2008, writes ——-

Thanks Cindy. This is the TRUTH TRUMP card we’ve really been looking for — Re: the ‘NO’ lawn signs!

We the people, whether leaning toward NO, YES, or NOT SURE, need the unabashed factual truth told to us in order to make a correct vote on Measure “U” + a UTT of 7% or 9%.   The lack of revenue to pay beyond “Core Mission Public Safety” – for Orange County – means that money for the few RCSD ‘non-essential’ SERVICES now being paid to Rossmoor by Orange County — will most definitely be withheld or cutback. {so says R.F., Deputy Chief of Staff for J.M.}

The Deputy Sheriffs Union “Issues Committee” in point of fact has NO ISSUE directly with the Measure “U” outcome on the Cityhood of Rossmoor, per se!    Given the revelations just admitted to in the Emails by the OC B of S, namely John Moorlach’s office, together with the OC Measure “J” Editorial in the Press Telegram today —- apparently, their quarrel has all along been with the fiduciary direction John Moorlach has taken as member of the OC B of S —- specifically in respect to OC pension and retiree health liabilities. One only need read the 10/16/08 Press Telegram Editorial to see the wisdom of a Yes vote on Chairman John Moorlach’s – Nov 4^th – Measure “J” — approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

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Becoming a City is Most Financially Risky Option We Could Consider

*Con-Side Article*

Cities assume ultimate liability for services provided to the community, whether offered directly or through an independednt contractor.  These are liabilities and risks for which our community currently does not have financial exposure.  Incorporation would completely change that situation.  Residnts of Rossmoor would assume full financial responsibility for everything that occurs in the community.  There is no safety net other than additional taxes on residents.  Furthermore, Incorporation would require the creation of a new five-member city council and a new, larger and more costly city staff to run the government.  In these difficult financial times, the last thing we need is more politicians and more cost for government.

Information Source:  www.rossmoorpreservation.com – mailer

Sincerely,

Emily S. Knell

Main Street Realtors

562-430-3053 – emilyknell1@yahoo.com

County Must Continue to Provide Services To Our Community

*Con-Side Article*

The County cannot abandon Rossmoor or refuse to provide services.  They must and will continue to provide vital services to the community.  Proponents of incorporation have attempted to characterize county services as unsatisfactory.  In truth, most residents are well satisfied with the services provided by the County.  It is a far greater risk to place governance of these vital services in the hands of those with limited experience managing such responsiblity.

Information Source:  www.rossmoorpreservation.com – mailer

Sincerely,

Emily S. Knell

Main Street Realtors

562-430-3053 – emilyknell1@yahoo.com

Rossmoor May Remain Unincorporated

*Con-Side Article*

We are under no obligation to become a city.  A No vote on Measure U means that Rossmoor will remain an inincorporated area operating in the same manner that we currently do.  Statements that we must incorporate or become part of a neighboring city are untrue.  If the community wishes to make changes to service areas, we have the ability to do so by expanding the powers of the Rossmoor Community Services District.  Incorporation is not necessary!!

Information Source:  www.rossmoorpreservation.com – mailer

Sincerely,

Emily S. Knell

Main Street Realtors

562-430-3053 – emilyknell1@yahoo.com

Higher Taxes, More Red Tape

*Con-Side Article*

Incorporation means higher taxes for the exact same services.

Taxes, taxes, and more taxes:

Incorporating Rossmoor is an unnecessary, bureaucratic nightmare for residents and taxpayers.  Although many questions about the plan remain unanswered, one thing is clear — incorporation for Rossmoor means higher taxes — as much as $800 per resident.

Learn the facts about the plan to incorporate Rossmoor:

• Incorporation includes a new 7% utility tax, costing residents up to $800
• Since Rossmoor residents will still have to pay county taxes we will be paying twice for services that are already provided.
• The county cannot refuse to provide services to Rossmoor — even if we vote against incorporation.
• The worst possible time to incorporate is during a recession when utility costs are increasing.
• Rossmoor has always paid its way — we purchased two parks, paid for our signature wall, and plated parkway trees without raising taxes.
• Not accounted for in the plan?  Affordable housing, schools, flood control and facility upgrades to support a city.

Information source:  www.rossmoorpreservation.com – mailer

Sincerely,

Emily S. Knell

Main Street Realtors

562-430-3053 – emilyknell1@yahoo.com