Monday, 02 October 2023

Ravenwoode: Measure G is deserving of thoughtful examination

The June 5 Measure G sales tax increase is worthy of our careful consideration.

This 1.5-percent sales tax measure was proposed after county officials related our financial problems, during recent visioning forums offered to the public. This proposal, if passed, would generate $4.5 million annually, for the general fund. As is typical with sunset measures, after 10 years it can be offered again for public approval (or not).

The general fund of counties that have undergone federal and state disaster designation, often become depleted. While federal/state disaster designation will assist with some emergency expenses, it does not cover all the costs of rebuilding. The general fund of Sonoma County is currently experiencing a serious general fund reduction due to the October 2017 fires that struck Santa Rosa.

Voting to support Measure G tax is a way of supporting the people in Lake County who were overwhelmed by the destructive 2015 summer wildfires. Think: Rocky, Valley Fires and Clayton fires that decimated Clearlake Oaks, Jerusalem Grade, Middletown, Anderson Springs, Cobb, Boggs State Forest, Adam Springs, Anderson Springs and Lower Lake.

Measure G will add funding to a depleted Lake County general fund to assist funding for public services, which includes disaster recovery: for roads, public safety, services for veterans and seniors, libraries, law enforcement, animal control, parks and museums.

If you have concerns about how Measure G money will be spent, then get involved. Be part of an active public to comment or email, the Board of Supervisors on proposed funding distributions. Or become a member of the advisory committee that oversees funding allocations to make sure funds are spent, as presented in the ballot measure. If not, you may be hurting the families in our Lake County community, who need our assistance.

Anna Rose Ravenwoode lives in Kelseyville, Ca.

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