As wildfires become more frequent and more destructive, heat events become increasingly common, and climate uncertainties mean more risk of droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, Nevada County must be well prepared for ongoing natural disasters.
Measure V responds to appeals from Nevada County residents for community-wide solutions to better protect their families, homes, and businesses.
Our mostly rural county’s 78 active Firewise communities are working tireless volunteer hours to make this area safe. The mitigation and evacuation work that Measure V would fund are critical to our cities and town and are essential to the health and safety of the unincorporated areas. I have heard from you about this loud and clear.
If passed by the voters, Measure V would generate approximately $12 million annually through a half-cent sales tax for critical emergency services and other general government services. A half-cent sales tax would add $0.50 cents to a $100 purchase, and the tax would not be applied to food purchased as groceries or prescription medications. All revenue would be locally controlled with funds that cannot be taken by the state. This general sales tax would end after 10 years.
Here are answers to concerns we have heard about the how voters can be assured Measure V funds will be used for their intended purpose:
- To ensure accountability and transparency, the Board of Supervisors would appoint a Citizens Oversight Committee consisting of seven community volunteers. Each supervisor would appoint one member from their district, with the entire board appointing the two at-large members.
- The Citizens Oversight Committee would report annually to the Board of Supervisors and the public on the receipt and expenditures of Measure V revenue, review revenue and expenditures for conformity to the text of the measure and report any inconsistencies.
- The County would set up a dedicated website to post contracting opportunities, awarded contracts, and annual audited reports to ensure maximum transparency.
- Measure V revenue and expenses would be recorded in the accounting system in separate accounts within the general fund, distinct from other revenues and expenses, to allow for clear tracking and reporting across all County departments and programs. Unspent revenue would be tracked annually and added to cumulative balances that will be clearly delineated from other County funds. Measure V funds would also be subject to the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (audit) performed annually by an independent auditor and published online.
- Contracts over $50,000 would go to the board for approval.
Find out more about Measure V accountability and transparency – and all other questions about the measure – at ReadyNevadaCounty.org/MeasureV.
