Paramount poll finds strong support for commercial and industrial parcel tax; staff details how $4M would be spent

A consultant hired by the city told the Paramount City Council on July 28 that a likely-voter poll shows broad support for a proposed parcel tax on commercial and industrial properties. Dr. Richard Bernard of FM3 said, “On the initial vote, 76% said yes, 21% said no, 3% were undecided,” based on a dual-mode survey of 216 likely voters conducted June 18–July 9.

City staff framed the measure as a targeted, non-residential levy designed to close a multi-year budget gap. Finance Director Lana Deach said the city is facing near-term pressure: “For fiscal year 26–27, the general fund is projecting to receive 48,800,000 and expected to spend 49.4 millions. That created the budget gap of $545,000,” and noted a 10-year projected cumulative deficit of about $27.7 million if no corrective action is taken.

Assistant City Manager Grisel Chavez described how the measure’s projected $4,000,000 in recurring revenue would be allocated. “There’s four key areas where the $4,000,000 would be invested, and that includes our roads infrastructure at a cost of $2,000,000 a year, our public safety services at $1,500,000 a year, environmental and other essential services at $250,000 a year, and $250,000 for economic development,” Chavez said. Staff said the parcel tax would be levied by square foot (proposed 8¢ commercial, 11¢ industrial, 13¢ for vacant commercial/industrial) and phased in over three years (65% year 1, 80% year 2, 100% year 3) with an independent oversight committee and audits.

Staff and the pollster both emphasized that neutral education and outreach could increase definite support; Dr. Bernard noted that simulating education in the survey raised “definitely yes” responses substantially. Council members asked about sample size and how undecided voters were handled; Bernard explained the study targeted likely voters and that multiple FM3 city-level surveys combined would yield a larger effective sample.

If placed on the ballot, staff said the city could bond anticipated revenues to frontload approximately $30 million for accelerated road repairs over five years, with the first parcel-tax receipts expected in spring 2028 after a phase-in. The City Manager also noted that county election consolidation deadlines and fees apply if the council proceeds.