Oxnard City Council has taken a significant step towards addressing its pension obligations by approving a special assessment tax aimed at funding public safety pensions. During the meeting on June 17, 2025, the council voted 6-1 in favor of the measure, which will impose an additional property tax of $50 per $100,000 of assessed value on homeowners. This decision comes in light of the city's ongoing financial responsibilities to its public safety employees, which have been a topic of discussion for several years.

The Chief Financial Officer, Javier Chagolio Lazaro, confirmed that the city is legally required to contribute to pension costs regardless of whether the tax is collected. The tax, which has its roots in a 1951 special election, allows the city to request annual assessments to cover these obligations. Council members debated the necessity of the tax, with some arguing that it provides essential funding while others expressed concerns about the financial burden on residents.

Councilmember Starr, who voted against the measure, highlighted that Oxnard is one of only a few cities in California that imposes such a tax, suggesting that many municipalities manage to cover pension costs without additional levies. He emphasized the need for tax relief for residents, many of whom are struggling with high living costs. In contrast, other council members defended the tax as a necessary means to ensure that public safety personnel receive their entitled retirement benefits.

In addition to the tax discussion, the council also reviewed the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, which includes various resolutions related to city operations and financial management. The budget reflects the city's commitment to maintaining infrastructure and services while navigating the complexities of pension funding.

The approval of the special assessment tax marks a pivotal moment for Oxnard, as it seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of its public safety workforce. Moving forward, the city will need to ensure transparency and effective communication with residents regarding how these funds will be utilized to support community priorities.