Fortuna Seeking Public Input for Use of Measure E Sales Tax Funds

This is a press release from the City of Fortuna:

Fortuna, CA – The City of Fortuna Measure E Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall to gather input from community residents for potential use of Measure E sales tax funds. Public input received will assist the Measure E Committee to prioritize requests and to develop recommendations to the City Council at a future meeting for inclusion in the 2018/2019 fiscal year budget.

Approved by Fortuna voters in 2016, Measure E is a 3/4% sales tax measure. Measure E is a general tax and will sunset in March 2025. The City is committed to using these general tax dollars to protect and maintain essential City services, including increasing and restoring Police Officers and programs, repairing aging/deteriorating streets and storm drains, parks maintenance, and programs for youth and seniors.

The City Council established the Measure E Committee to help provide fiscal oversight and to ensure the proper use of funds. Major responsibilities of the committee include assisting the City Council in taking public input, reviewing staff recommendations on the expenditure of funds derived from Measure E and preparing an annual report to Council on how Measure E funds have been used.

Previous allocations and expenditure of Measure E funds have included:

 Public safety needs for a police detective position, a Problem Oriented Policing (POP) position, funding for the K-9 unit, tasers, mobile data computers and police body cameras.

 Support for Public Works projects funding needs have included street maintenance, storm water system improvements and for the Hillside Creek Flood Control Project to leverage state and federal funding with a required local match.

 Parks and Recreation has also received funding for a vacant Director position, park security upgrades, a roadway median mower, ball field light improvements, open gym time for youth and additional senior transit funding.

The Measure E Committee meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. on January 30, 2018 at City Hall, 621 11th Street to hear recommendations for future funding from Fortuna residents.

The Committee and City Staff encourage local residents to bring their ideas and recommendations to the meeting to help guide future funding for Measure E funds. The Measure E Committee is asking that requests include a written description (forms will be available at the meeting), the time frame for implementation, project budget and whether this request will be a one-time or continuing expense. Presenters will be allotted with 3 minutes for their oral presentations.