Fund and set priorities for local public safety. The Council can approve funding for law enforcement, fire protection, emergency planning, evacuation preparation, street widening and crosswalks, and related City programs that focus on public safety and prevention.

Command first responders during an emergency. Fire, law-enforcement, and emergency-management professionals make operational decisions in the field.

Work with regional public-safety agencies. The City can coordinate with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority, Water District, School District, and neighboring jurisdictions on preparedness and response.

Control every public-safety agency. The City does not operate OCFA, the Sheriff’s Department, CAL FIRE, the Water District or the School District. It must work through agreements and partnerships with those agencies.

Maintain and improve City-owned assets. The Council can fund parks, trails, local streets, sidewalks, recreation facilities, libraries, City buildings, landscaping, and other municipal property.

Control property owned by another entity. A City vote does not give the Council authority over School District campuses, Water District facilities, County or State roads, utility property, HOA common areas, or private land.

Set priorities for repairs and capital projects. The Council can decide which City projects move forward and how available funds are used.

Guarantee every project immediately. Projects often require engineering, environmental review, grants, permits, bidding, and coordination with outside agencies.

Partner with other agencies on shared community needs. The City can support school safety, safe routes, emergency preparedness, wildfire coordination, and regional advocacy, but it must do so through cooperation and agreements with the agencies that have jurisdiction.

Run public schools. The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District and its elected board oversee curriculum, staffing, school budgets, and campus operations.

Advocate for residents with outside agencies. Council members can communicate concerns, seek coordination, and represent Yorba Linda’s interests with County, State, utility, and other agencies.

Operate the Water District or control water infrastructure. The Yorba Linda Water District has its own elected board and is independent of City government. Water rates, facilities, and District projects including heli-hydrants fall under Water District authority.

City fees and permits. Adopt the City’s fee schedule and review whether City fees are understandable, justified, legally appropriate, and connected to the service provided.

Set every cost associated with private construction, state requirements, outside agencies, or the broader housing market.

Trash collection. The Council can approve and amend the City’s solid-waste franchise agreement, including service standards, contract terms, and rate-related provisions. The current franchise with Republic Services is scheduled to expire in 2029. 

Water and other utilities. The city cannot set water, electric, natural-gas, or most sewer charges. Water and sewer is governed by the Yorba Linda Water District; electric and gas rates are set by utilities and state regulators. 

LMAD assessments. Review proposed landscaping and lighting assessments, provide public information, explain service tradeoffs, and administer the required process.

HOA dues and rules. The Council can enforce City laws when an issue also violates the municipal code.

Set HOA dues, approve HOA special assessments, resolve routine HOA disputes, or override private CC&Rs. Those matters are generally governed by the HOA, its members, and the courts.