Measure U

In November 2018, Placentia voters overwhelmingly approved Measure U, a 1% sales tax increase to help fund the cost of much-needed infrastructure repairs and maintenance as well as public safety and other critical services. Measure U sales tax increase began collection on April 1, 2019.

Use of Measure U

Measure U allows the City to fund services at levels consistent with the community’s priorities and the public’s desired quality of life and would prevent the need for further significant cuts to vital City services and programs. To ensure the Measure U funds are spent accordingly, the Placentia City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to update the Reserve Policy to include guidelines for appropriating new ongoing or one-time unrestricted revenues to be used for specific purposes, as shown in the table below. “New Ongoing Revenues” are defined as a new general tax, an increase in the rate of an existing general tax (such as Measure U), a new lease of City property, or other new, clearly identifiable unrestricted revenue source not previously included in the City’s budget at the time of adoption of this policy, which generates at least $100,000 per year in revenue and is expected to continue for at least a period of 20 years.

General Fund Reserve Policy (Policy 460)

Reserve Account	New Ongoing Revenues		New One-time Revenues
Reserve Account	Before GF Reserve Target Met	After GF Reserve Target Met	Before GF Reserve Target Met	After GF Reserve Target Met
Infrastructure, Vehicles, and Equipment Reserve	40%	50%	40%	80%
Post-Employment Benefits Sustainability Reserve	10%	10%	10%	20%
Employee Recruitment and Retention Reserve (including additional staff)	30%	30%	0%	0%
General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance	20%	10%	50%	0%

The purpose of this funding allocation is to ensure that the new reserve areas are prioritized long-term and ultimately improve the City’s fiscal health. To ensure that the policy is applied consistently by future City administrations and Councils, any modification to this policy requires a supermajority or 4/5ths vote of the City Council.

Lastly, Measure U also established an independent Citizens Oversight Committee. The Committee reviews and reports on all Measure U expenditure plans and financial reports to ensure spending is consistent with General Fund Reserve Policy No. 460, as outlined in the above table. The Citizens Oversight Committee will meet regularly at meetings that are open to the public.

Thank you for your continued support and keep an eye out for the Measure U logo to see Placentia’s tax dollars at work throughout the City.

Measure U Annual Report

Measure U Improvement Projects

Completed Measure U Improvement Projects

FY 2019-20 Residential Slurry Seal Project (Completed October 2020)
FY 2019-20 Arterial Roadway Rehabilitation Project (Completed November 2020)
FY 2020-21 Roadway Rehabilitation Project (Completed May 2022)
FY 2021-22 Slurry Seal Project (Completed May 2022)
Santa Fe Playground Replacement Project (Completed April 2023)

Current Street Improvement Projects:

Project Name	Description	Status	Budget
FY 2021-22 Roadway Rehabilitation Project	This project repaved more than 1.3 million square feet of arterial/collector streets including Orangethorpe Avenue and residential streets in the Atwood neighborhood. Damaged sidewalk panels and curb and gutter were also replaced as part of this project.	Completed	$6.1 Million (Measure U, SB/1 Gas Tax, Measure M, Sewer Enterprise Fund, and City of Anaheim Cost-Share)

Current Park Improvement Projects:

Project Name	Description	Status	Budget
Parque del Arroyo Verde Renovation Project	This park renovation project will provide new playground equipment and expanded play areas, new park furnishings and security lighting, shade structures for play, and picnic areas. It will also remove and replace broken concrete sidewalk panels and provide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements to ensure the park and playgrounds are fully accessible and provide minor cosmetic improvements to the restroom building.	Under Construction Timeline: June 2023- December 2023	$2,668,000 (Measure U, Park & Rec Impact Fees, and City Quimby In-Lieu Fees)
Koch Park Playground Renovations, Phase II Project	This project will include the installation of new playground equipment and will substantially increase the play area at the park. Phase II of the project will complement the recently installed Placentia Fire and Life Safety Department play structure by adding two (2) new structures to complete the “First Responders” theme. The new structures will be themed to represent the City’s Police Department and the Public Works Department.	Under Production Timeline: Fall 2023	$593,743 (Measure U)
Wagner Park Playground Renovation Project	This project will include the installation of new playground equipment and will substantially increase the play area at the park.	Under Production Timeline: Fall 2023	$300,000 (Measure U)