Voter Awareness

With the upcoming November 9th election, there is a County Ballot Measure that metaphorically resembles a Trojan horse. Measure P was placed on the ballot by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors and may not be as it is presented.

With voter approval, the ordinance will impose a general one-quarter cent (0.25%) sales tax that would be applicable in all areas of Mendocino County. The BOS championed this ballot measure to support Fire protection services countywide.

The October 7th edition of the ICO and the County description of the Ballot Measure indicates there are no guarantees that our Coastal Fire districts or Ambulance Service will see any of the revenue.

According to the Mendocino County Council, the funds from the tax are not legally restricted and may be used for any valid County purpose. The County further states that the revenue generated from the sales tax increase will support essential services, including Fire protection and prevention.

Unfortunately, we on the coast are not receiving our fair share of sales tax revenue that we are currently paying. Bower Park, roads and broadband services are just a few examples of areas that we could use county assistance.

I truly support our coastal fire protection districts and would vote to support an increase in our assessed fees to fund those agencies. The assessment fees would go directly to fund the Fire Districts in our community and would not be subject to the Board of Supervisors discretionary spending.

With the rise in the cost of living in Mendocino, it would be hard to support an additional tax. It would be great to reduce our sales tax by 0.25%. I would vote yes on Measure P if the BOS agreed to disburse the revenue proportionately to all Fire Districts in the County. In any case, be sure to vote.