ORANGE

The first seven Old Towne residents to seek tax cuts in exchange for historic preservation efforts may get their contracts approved today. The state’s Mills Act, which allows the exchange, was passed in 1972 as a way of preserving more of California’s historical buildings.

The City Council, which oversees the state’s largest historic district, drafted a pilot Mills Act program in August and limited the number of participants to 10. They will vote on approving the first contracts today at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, 300 E. Chapman Ave. The annual tax loss to the city would be about $2,500. Information: (714) 744-5500.