OROVILLE — After months of research and outreach, Team CivX and FM3, two firms that specialize in polling and development, are set to return to the Butte County Board of Supervisors with a plan for a sales tax ballot initiative.
The board is slated to hear a presentation on what might be viable for a sales tax on the November ballot to help keep up with essential service costs.
In 2023 during the county’s budgeting process, it became apparent that the county wouldn’t have enough ongoing funding to support all facets of government, including things like libraries, certain fire stations in the winter and even some Butte County Sheriff’s Office operations. At the time, the board opted to use emergency funding to keep three fire stations open through the winter in rural parts of the county and keep libraries operating at the status quo.
The discussion of long-term funding pointed toward a need to bring in additional revenue, possibly via a sales tax. The county brought in Team CivX and FM3 to conduct polling and research with the community to determine if such a measure had the likelihood of passing.
According to the PowerPoint presentation attached to the agenda item, Butte County has the seventh-lowest tax revenue per capita of California counties. It notes that costs are continuing to rise to meet service needs, thus the introduction of the sales tax.
After the presentation, the board will be asked to provide direction to staff and possibly put the measure on the ballot.
The presentation and discussion are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Other business
Aside from the potential sales tax measure, the board is slated to discuss the following:
• Budget hearings could be set for June 25 to determine the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget.
• The board will consider a $2.24 million contract with Northwest Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for sheltering and impound services.
• The county could enter into an agreement with PG&E and PJ Helicopters for water dropping services during wildfires.
• The board will receive the 2023 Ground Water Status Report.
The Butte County Board of Supervisors next meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday at its chambers located at 25 County Center Drive, Suite 205 in Oroville. Meetings are free and open to the public.
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