LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted unanimously to make a third attempt at getting a specific tax to benefit Clear Lake passed by voters.
The half-percent sales tax measure will go on the November ballot.
The measure will be similar to Measure L, which in June failed by just 225 votes to get the 66.7 percent supermajority needed to go into effect.
The board has sought the specific tax option in order to ensure that the revenues generated – estimated to be in the range of $2.4 million annually – go to the proposed water quality and invasive species prevention programs, not into the general fund.
The board heard from community members both for and against the proposal. In the latter camp was Finley resident Phil Murphy, who has opposed any sales tax measures to benefit the lake, suggesting instead that the county pursue grants or attempt to divert Lake County Vector Control funds.
At one point, Murphy became so heated in his criticisms that Board Chair Denise Rushing had to use the gavel repeatedly, with Murphy continuing to raise his voice and talk over her.
Rushing also pointed out to Murphy that he attacks the board on a regular basis and she – along with board colleagues Rob Brown and Anthony Farrington – questioned the accuracy of the information he provided in arguing against a new tax measure.
For her part, Rushing said she was personally interested in seeing the measure pass as grants provide one-time funds. “I've yet to see a grant that provides an ongoing source of funding over time.”
The county also doesn't have the staffing to even go after what grants are available, she said. “Without that, we're behind.”
Fletcher Thornton, a member of the Middletown Area Town Hall, said there were questions about the measure, particularly about use of the revenues over the long term and control of ramps and checkpoints, that needed to be addressed.
“There was too many questions on the last measure, and I think that’s why it lost,” he said.
Middletown Realtor David Neft said there are myriad threats to the lake.
Neft said the sales tax measure is a small price to pay to create ongoing programs to help the lake. Otherwise, the county would never have the money to address Clear Lake's issues. “So this is a really good start.”
He added, “It always takes more money than less money.”
Rushing, who pointed out that she will go off the board when her term ends later this year and so won't have a hand in overseeing the measure if it passes, said she feels very strongly that the watershed is the county's legacy and its future.
The county's watershed, said Rushing, “bears the evidence of every bonehead decision that has ever been made around this lake.”
Whether in public office or not, Rushing said she will continue to work on behalf of the lake. She added that the majority of the voters have indicated they support the measure.
Farrington said there are many issues in Lake County that are interconnected with the lake. The people he brings to visit Lake County marvel at its beauty, and wonder why it's not doing better economically, he said.
“I think we’re at a turning point,” if the measure passes, said Supervisor Jeff Smith.
Supervisor Jim Comstock also gave his support to moving forward with the measure.
“I'm the last person who ever wants to support tax increases,” Comstock said, adding, “But sometimes you have to do it to make things go forward.”
Comstock said the lake is the driving force of the effort, and the sales tax measure will help the county pursue grant applications.
He added, even the best baseball players only get a hit one out of three times, indicating he believes the third attempt for the sales tax could be the winner.
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