Ballot measure on November ballot would extend Measure Q

The Eureka City Council placed a local ballot measure on the November 2020 ballot that, if enacted by voters, would extend the existing, voter-approved Measure Q local funding mechanism at a 1.25 cent rate to address local fiscal stability and recovery efforts and maintain priorities identified by the public such as streets maintenance, public safety services, homelessness prevention efforts, local economic development and other core city services.

 The City recently commissioned a community survey to ask local residents about their spending priorities amid significant budget impacts due to COVID 19.  Hundreds of residents responded with feedback, identifying the following key services as top priorities to address:   ✓ Maintaining police, fire and 911 emergency medical response services ✓ Supporting local businesses and local jobs ✓ Maintaining streets and roads  ✓ Maintaining youth and senior services ✓ Supporting city and community health services to prepare for medical emergencies ✓ Maintaining homeless prevention programs   The survey, conducted by EMC Research, indicated as much as 71% of respondents would support a simple majority requirement extension which if enacted, would generate local funds to continue addressing essential quality of life services. 

“I want to thank every resident who took the time to give us their feedback,” said Interim City Manager Miles Slattery.  “The City provides services for thousands of Eureka residents every year. Amid the current public health and economic crises, it’s important we continue to invest locally in our community in services that keep our community safe, healthy and in support of local economic recovery.” 

“Many people don’t know that without this funding Eureka can’t continue to bring in state and federal matching funds for critical local improvements that make our roads and sidewalks safer for everyone, as well as helping to ensure first responders can get to people quickly who need it,” said Public Works Director Brian Gerving.

“It would be great if we can get to work faster on improving the safety of our roads and the jobs that helps create.”   If enacted, all funding from the measure would continue to be locally-controlled, no funding could be taken by the State, and funding would continue to be subject to independent annual financial audits, public spending reports and an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee.