continued from previous page ment heads — including the Public Works director, the public defender and the Health and Human Services director — all addressed the board, talking about their departments’ needs and their roles in public safety. While a polling firm hired by the county found no significant change in levels of support for a .5-percent tax as opposed to a .75-percent tax, the board opted to put the .5-percent sales tax before voters, foregoing the additional $3 million the extra .25 percent was projected to bring in. That’s a decision the board of supervisors may come to regret, Emenaker says, adding that a push and pull over the increased revenue seems to be in the county’s future if the measure passes. “When you have to draw a little blood, best to draw more than you need and not have to come back for more,” he says.
Where Does Your Property Tax Dollar Go?
*Redevelopment agencies in California have been dissolved but this money is allocated to pay down debts accrued by the agencies prior to their dissolution.
County Tax Revenue Property and sales (in millions)
When Bohn and his
board voted to put a county-wide sales tax increase before voters in November, one can imagine the collective gasp that went up in city halls that had already approved similar tax measures. The quietly spoken fear is that — if faced with multiple tax increases on the same ballot — voters are more likely to vote them all down, either due to confusion or spite. “It’s always a concern when something like this happens,” says Strehl, conceding that Fortuna voters will be asked to up their sales-tax rate 1 percent by the city and .5 percent by the county, which — combined with the state’s 7.5 percent — would bring the total rate to 9 percent in city limits. “We’re just hoping the people in Fortuna will understand why we need it, and probably why the county needs it too.”
GRAPHICS COURTESY OF THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT
In Eureka, voters will face three tax ried. “The concern is that you’ll get voter measures — the city’s .5-percent transacfatigue when you have three separate tax tion and use tax extension, the county’s measures,” he says. sales tax and a Eureka City Schools Knopp says there was some “hesitaACCORDING TO I/O THIS ISRio SUPPOSED bond — and Sparks said each entity has tion” in Dell when theTO county opted a legitimate need. BE Still, A he’sKRIS a bit worto move forward with its tax measure, AND BILL WEEK
CONFIRMING WITH SHANE-- HE SAYS KAREN... MAY HAVE TO SWAP OUT
ABSOLUTELY STUNNING
Cute home on over half an acre in the woods. Home features oak floors, and forced air as well as a wood stove. Nice fenced in yard for the dogs and playground for the kids. Private, yet close to Eureka and Arcata in the Freshwater School District. Large detached garage/shop with plenty of room for all your projects. $289,000
PIGEON POINT ROAD
noting that not only had Rio Dell moved forward with a ballot measure well before the county but that “cities are much more dependent on sales tax revenues than the county,” which receives the bulk of county property taxes. But, Knopp stresses that he views the county as a partner, and that Rio Dell benefits from healthy county services. “Certainly, having a well-funded district attorney plays a role in the level of safety in Rio Dell, just as having jail capacity and having a probation department that follows up contribute to the overall health of the community.” Emenaker says it behooves local cities and the county to make these points and to advocate for each other moving forward, despite an understandable temptation to push one’s own tax increase over that of another entity. “They really have to promote them and they have to be unified,” he says. “They have to be very consistent in explaining how these affect real programs that voters can identify with.” So, in the months between now and November, voters can expect to hear and read lots about governmental services on the brink, about backlogs of road maintenance and police staffing shortfalls. And, ultimately, it will be up to the voters to decide whether they want to pony up to hold the line, or if they’re willing to get less in order to keep a bit more coin in their pockets. But one thing’s for sure, Emenaker says: It doesn’t hurt that two avowed taxhaters are out leading the charge for higher taxes in Humboldt County. “When someone gives an argument that runs counter to what their bias is or should be, we’re often persuaded by that,” he says. “People let their guard down.” ●
DRE License# 01438846 HumboldtCountyProperty.com “Making Real Estate Dreams a Reality.” Cell: 707-498-4429
DRE License# 01200980 ArcataProperty.com “The best move you’ll ever make.” Cell: 707-834-1818
20 NORTH COAST JOURNAL • THURSDAY, AUG. 14, 2014 • northcoastjournal.com
Absolutely stunning 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath custom Victorian style home on over 1 ½ acres in Woodland Heights. Home features cedar siding and huge wrap around veranda with distance ocean views! Call Karen for more details. $489,000