Big boost for Chamber of Commerce funding

The Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce's celebration of its 100th anniversary turned a bit more festive for the business group's more than 300 members with a City Council decision to increase funding for the organization by 56 percent over past years.

However, the boost—from $16,000 to $25,000 for a one-year period that began July 1 —was less than chamber officials had requested, and the decision wasn't unanimous, as the council's senior member, Mark Schwing, cast a negative vote.

Originally, the chamber's 19-member board of directors sought an increase to $40,000 each year for two years, according to a memo from executive director Phyllis Coleman. Chamber income mostly comes from member dues and fees for various events.

The requested increase was due to “the rising costs of doing business and a decrease of revenue at some of our events,” stated Coleman.

“The chamber has incurred a huge increase in insurance premiums for liability, special events and workers compensation,” Coleman said. She also cited increases “in utilities and rental of a facility to hold our events.”

Mayor Tom Lindsey and Councilman Gene Hernandez proposed an increase to $30,000 per year for two years, but colleagues John Anderson, Craig Young and Schwing nixed that plan.

Finally, all council members except Schwing agreed to a $25,000 stipend for one year, with a requirement the chamber quarterly present council with “deliverables that can be measured.”

Schwing said he couldn't support the motion, noting council members haven't increased their own monthly $500 stipends since 1992. But most council compensation comes from the city's monthly “cafeteria plan” contributions to members' 401(k)-type retirement accounts.

In March, council voted 5-0 to boost the per-month amounts they earn nearly eight percent, from $945 to $1,020 effective January 2013, with another $75 monthly step-up due in 2014.

Previously, council hiked the benefit 13.4 percent, from $833 to $945 in 2010. The same amount is given full-time employees and can be used for health benefits, but the current council members have the entire amount paid into retirement plans.

Schwing also cast the lone vote against city approval of a Savi Ranch Land Use and Mobility Vision Plan, financed by a $240,000 Caltrans grant and an additional $24,000 in city funding.

According to Community Development Director Steve Harris, the “objectives of the study are to ensure that Savi Ranch maintains its position as the city's number one employment center, as well as its leading business district for sales tax revenue generation.”

Harris noted the study also is aimed at “improving the area's livability” in light of already-approved low cost, multi-family housing. A final document is expected September 2014.

And, finally, a Hernandez motion to add $3,760 for annual Orange County Human Relations Commission membership dues to the city budget died without a second.