During the recent Mission Viejo City Council meeting on November 12, 2024, significant concerns were raised regarding the handling of Measure Y, a proposed bed tax that has sparked controversy among residents. The discussions highlighted issues of transparency and accountability within the city’s processes.

A key point of contention was the timeline and authorization surrounding the Chamber of Commerce's support for the bed tax. Trish Kelly, a council member, initially suggested that the Chamber draft an argument in favor of the tax, which was submitted shortly after. However, questions arose when it was revealed that the Chamber did not officially authorize its CEO to write the argument until a day after the submission. This raised eyebrows about the decision-making process and the integrity of the support being presented to the public.

Further complicating matters, a change in the city attorney's impartial analysis shifted the tax designation from a special tax to a general tax, a move that some council members and residents viewed as a breach of public trust. One resident, who has been vocal about these issues, pointed out that this change was either a mistake or a deliberate oversight, and criticized the council for not questioning how this alteration occurred. The resident also expressed frustration over the lack of transparency when they requested records related to the city attorney's submissions, only to be told there were no disclosable records.

The resident's concerns extended to the use of public funds to promote the bed tax, which they argued was not educational but rather biased and manipulative. During public comments, they urged voters to reject Measure Y, labeling the city’s promotional materials as propaganda. In response, council members defended the city’s obligation to provide information, but the resident felt that their concerns were being deflected rather than addressed.

As the meeting concluded, the ongoing debate over Measure Y underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in local governance. The council's next steps will be crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring that residents feel their voices are heard in the decision-making process.