Laguna Beach schedules survey town hall to gauge support for potential revenue measure for fire prevention

Laguna Beach officials have scheduled an online survey town hall to gather resident input on potential revenue-enhancement measures that could appear on a future ballot, Mayor Alex Winogui said on Fair Game Laguna Beach.

The mayor said the city formed an ad hoc committee earlier this year to examine revenue options and has been working with a consultant to design a survey that gauges public interest and priorities. "My understanding is they've been working with a consultant on, you know, putting out a survey just to gauge the interest of the community about any potential tax measure," Winogui said. "The goal, if we put something forward, would be to know that there is broad public support for it."

Winogui said a top priority raised in conversations with residents has been fire prevention and ensuring the city has resources to mitigate wildfire risk. The town hall is one of two planned, he said, and is intended to help shape question topics, identify which revenue tools might receive support and refine priorities for funding.

Host Tom Johnston provided logistical details: the town hall will be held next Wednesday online from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; residents can obtain login credentials on the city website. Winogui said the survey and town halls are part of a deliberative process and that any ballot measure would be pursued only if there is sufficient community backing.

The interview did not record any formal council action to place a measure on the ballot; Winogui described exploratory outreach and analysis. He said the ad hoc committee has been evaluating options and that the city seeks public input before advancing proposals.