INCUMBENT VOTING RECORDS

Despite what the incumbents say, they did  vote for utility rate increases. In February 2026, Bongiovanni and Torgeson wanted a 14% increase this year and another 14% increase next year instead of the full 25% this year. This fact is well documented.  They infer that they were opposed to increases but all evidence is to the contrary.

• January 2023: The Council approved increases for wastewater, reclaimed water, and environmental compliance fees. 

• February 2024: The Council adopted resolutions increasing rates for water, residential solid waste, and commercial solid waste and recycling. 

• February 2025: The Council adopted an "all-cash" option for wastewater and reclaimed water rates. 

• February 2026:
  • 25% Water Rate Increase: The Council adopted a single-year 25% increase (Option A) effective April 1, 2026.
  • Solid Waste Increases: The Council approved adjustments to residential and commercial solid waste and recycling fees.

3550 Approved Apartment Units (2023–2026)

• The Ranch (Z22-05 / Z23-04): Approved in June 2023. It included 750 units.
• Bella Storia (GP22-11 / Z22-10 & Z24-22): The original project was approved in October 2023 with 628 units. In June 2025, an amendment was approved that added 67 additional units, bringing the project total to 695 units.
• The District at Cooley Station (GP22-14 / Z22-14): Approved in April 2023. This project consists of 612 units.
• Trax at Cooley Station (Z23-05): Approved in December 2023. The Council approved the specific site plan for 568 units.
• Aura at San Tan (GP24-08 / Z24-20): Approved in October 2025. This project converted land from Regional Commercial to Residential for a 357-unit apartment complex.
• Heritage Park Project: Groundbreaking occurred in May 2025 for this Heritage District development, which features 288 residences.
• The Lumberyard (Z22-16): Approved in May 2024. This project includes 285 units across three buildings in the Heritage District.

• The Ranch (GP22-05 / Z22-05): Approved June 20, 2023; 311-acre master-planned community (Resolution No. 4393, Ordinance No. 2872).
• The Lumberyard (Z22-16): Approved May 7, 2024; 285-unit multifamily project (Resolution No. 4462, Ordinance No. 2900).
• Harvest Grove (GP25-03 / Z25-03): Approved April 21, 2026; reconsidered and passed after removal of multifamily units (Resolution No. 4650, Ordinance No. 2981).
• Aura at San Tan (GP24-08 / Z24-20): Approved October 14, 2025; 357-unit apartment complex (Resolution No. 4579, Ordinance No. 2955).
• Bella Storia (GP22-11 / Z22-10): Approved October 24, 2023; mixed-use development at Power and Williams Field (Resolution No. 4423, Ordinance No. 2884).
• Tustin Ranch (GP24-05 / Z24-12): Approved February 25, 2025; General Plan alignment and rezoning (Resolution No. 4539, Ordinance No. 2933).
• Sheffield Place (GP24-06 / Z24-17): Approved June 10, 2025; 67-lot single-family detached development (Resolution No. 4568, Ordinance No. 2944).
• Trax at Cooley Station (Z23-05): Approved December 12, 2023; increased building heights for multifamily (Ordinance No. 2886)

On October 22, 2024, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 2918, which implemented the first major tax hike in over 20 years for many categories. These changes became effective in January 2025:

• General Sales Tax: Increased from 1.5% to 2.0%.
• Use Tax: Increased from 0% to 2.0%.
• Bed Tax (Hotel/Motel): Increased from 2.8% to 5.0%

• January 2023: The Council approved increases for wastewater, reclaimed water, and environmental compliance fees. 

• February 2024: The Council adopted resolutions increasing rates for water, residential solid waste, and commercial solid waste and recycling. 

• February 2025: The Council adopted an "all-cash" option for wastewater and reclaimed water rates. 

• February 2026:
  • 25% Water Rate Increase: The Council adopted a single-year 25% increase (Option A) effective April 1, 2026.
  • Solid Waste Increases: The Council approved adjustments to residential and commercial solid waste and recycling fees.

Torgeson and Bongiovanni acknowledge voting for the pay raise while Buchli denies it.

FACT: Two separate motions were made by Torgeson and Bongiovanni to increase salary a whopping 154% then they tried for a 125% increase. Both votes failed. 3-4 with Buchli, Torgeson, and Bongiovanni voting for maximum pay raise. 

The third motion for a  pay raise was made by Anderson and it was for the lowest amount at only 51%. It passed 5-2. 

Buchli was very upset and attempted to "abstain" from voting and gave a long drawn out statement on the subject. This is one of the most embarrassing meetings to watch but it shows the demeanor and condescending behavior of the incumbents. 

Click here to see for yourself: .https://www.youtube.com/live/RqkgY1dbIys?t=11044s.