I have seen some signs around that claim Measure S is overtaxing the poor.

Measure S proposes a half-cent sales tax on every dollar spent on taxable goods. This means that a number of items do not get any tax such as food, prescriptions, medical services, utilities, house payments and rents. The basic necessities will not be taxed. 

Other items will be subject to the sales tax and estimates have shown that individuals earning an average income in Lake County will pay around $30 to $35 annually in additional sales tax whereas lower income individuals will pay an average of $15.

Without Measure S there stands to be increased cost of living such as water bills and possibly property taxes. 

The other effect that could occur should Measure S not pass is the county having to defer or reduce services should there be increased costs to preserve and protect the lake.

Monies would have to come from the general fund to address lake issues and there would be less money for libraries, senior centers, maintenance of infrastructure, etc.

With Measure S we can estimate the cost to each individual. Without it we have no idea what it will cost each individual and what services will be affected.

Scott Knickmeyer is chair of the Save the Lake Committee 2014, which is supporting the passage of Measure S in Lake County, Calif.