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Humboldt County Sales Tax, Measure Z (November 2014)
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A Humboldt County Sales Tax, Measure Z ballot question was on the November 4, 2014 election ballot for voters in Humboldt County, California. It was approved.
Measure Z authorized the county to impose a 0.5 percent general sales tax.[1]
Without Measure Z, none of the sales tax paid by county residents would have gone directly to the county. The state sales tax rate in 2014 was 7.5 percent.[1]
Election results
| Humboldt County, Measure Z | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
 Yes | 20,673 | 56.95% | ||
| No | 16,279 | 44.05% | ||
Election results via: Humboldt County 2014 Election Final Report
Text of measure
Ballot question
The question on the ballot:[1]
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HUMBOLDT COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY/ESSENTIAL SERVICES MEASURE. To maintain/improve essential services, such as 24-hour sheriff's patrols; 9-1-1 emergency response; crime investigation/prosecution; drug/illegal marijuana growhouse enforcement/prevention; services for abused children/mentally ill; rural fire protection; road repairs; and other County services, shall County of Humboldt pursuant to County Ordinance No. 2517 enact a 1/2% sales tax, for five years, all revenue for the County, none for the State of California, with annual audits and public review?[2] |
” |
Impartial analysis
The following impartial analysis was prepared for Measure Z:[1]
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A YES vote on Measure Z will approve the adoption of an Ordinance enacting a county-wide transactions and use (“sales”) tax within the County of Humboldt (the “County”) of 0.5% (one-half percent tax) for five years. California law allows the County to enact local sales taxes within their jurisdictions with voter approval, as long as the combined County and city taxes do not exceed 2%. A 0.5% tax is the equivalent of ½ cent on each dollar. This sales tax is a general tax. Therefore, the County could use the money for any legal governmental purpose such as law enforcement, fire protection, 9-1-1 services, road repair and other programs and services that promote public safety and enhance the welfare of Humboldt County residents. By law, if enacted the State cannot seize or take any of these funds –all revenue generated is utilized for the benefit of Humboldt County constituents. If approved by a majority of the voters, the sales tax will become effective on April 1, 2015. The additional tax will last for five years. At the end of five years, on March 31, 2020, the sales tax will expire. If the Measure is approved, a citizens advisory committee will be established to make recommendations to the County Board of Supervisors as to the expenditure of funds derived from the tax. All funds are subject to annual, independent audits. This Measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of Supervisors.[2] |
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| —Humboldt County Counsel[1] | ||
See also
- Local sales tax on the ballot
- Sales tax in California
- Humboldt County, California ballot measures
- November 4, 2014 ballot measures in California
External links
- Humboldt County Registrar of Voters Office website
- Humboldt County Registrar of Voters website, "Measure Z information," October 10, 2014
Additional reading
Post-election news
Pre-election news
- Times Standard, "Supervisors choose sales tax measure for November ballot, but amount could change," July 8, 2014
- Times Standard, "Measure Z: Countywide ballot measure would add half-percent sales tax," October 10, 2014
Footnotes
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