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Resident urges more patrols, lower city tax rate and fiscal caution on bonds
Summary
A resident told the Oxnard City Council on Dec. 17 that police need to return to street patrols and urged the council to lower a city tax rate he estimated at about 9.5%, avoid unnecessary bonds and build reserves.
A resident who identified himself as Mr. Gutierrez raised public-safety and fiscal concerns during public comment at the Oxnard City Council meeting on Dec. 17, saying police should be more visible on streets and urging the council to avoid new debt.
“For me, number 1 right now is crime. Police is not patrolling like they used to. We need to get the police back on the streets,” Mr. Gutierrez told the council. He described motorists and pedestrians disregarding traffic laws and said teens riding in groups create hazards.
Gutierrez also addressed municipal finance, saying he believes the city’s tax rate is “9.5” and suggesting a cut to 9% to ease inflationary pressure on residents. “If we can lower that to 9, that will help for the inflation a little bit,” he said. He urged the council to stay “in the black” and avoid taking on unnecessary bonds, recommending a reserve fund for emergencies.
Why it matters: Resident concerns touch on day-to-day public safety and long-term fiscal decisions that affect city services and taxes. The council heard the remarks during the public-comment period and did not take immediate action.
Earlier in the meeting the council convened in closed session pursuant to Government Code section 54957.6 on labor negotiations; the city attorney reported no reportable actions from that session.
