LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Last week the Board of Supervisors and the Clearlake City Council each took the next steps in putting sales tax measures before voters this November.
Last Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved updated language and a revenue plan for a proposed half-cent sales tax to use for lake-related projects, including invasive species prevention programs, aquatic weed abatement and a water quality program.
Then, on Thursday, the Clearlake City Council approved moving forward with a one-cent sales tax measure to improve city streets and code enforcement services.
Both the city and the county want the taxes to be for specific uses, which requires a two-thirds vote – or super majority – from community members.
The county estimates the tax to help keep Clear Lake healthy could bring in $2.4 million annually.
The city councils of both Clearlake and Lakeport have voted to give support to the county’s lake tax.
A board-appointed citizen oversight committee will assist the county in making sure the funds from the tax are spent in conformity with the expenditure plan, according to the board’s draft ordinance.
In order to put the tax on the ballot, the board will hold a final public hearing at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7.
The Clearlake City Council approved its proposed sales tax measure in a 4-0 vote, with Vice Mayor Jeri Spittler absent from the meeting last Thursday.
The city administration has estimated the tax annually will bring in about $1.4 million, which will be used for road maintenance and continuing efforts to clean up the city.
City Manager Joan Phillipe said animal control – also a major concern for the city – would be covered under code enforcement.
The council also will hold a final public hearing on Thursday, Aug. 9, to take public input on the proposed road and code enforcement tax in preparation for placing it before city voters Nov. 6.
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