Measure V News

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Grading and pothole patching is continuing this year.  There are several projects in the design stage for future construction.

In addition to potholing and grading, pre-grading activities such as tree trimming and brush clearing are performed. Sign and street maintenance such as culvert cleaning are done to ensure safety and maximum visibility on city streets.

HL2
MEASURE V FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
February 26, 2018

1. What is Measure V?
Measure V is a one cent sales and use tax increase that was approved by the voters of Clearlake on November 8th, 2016. It was a “special tax” that required at least a 2/3rds majority to be approved.

2. When does the tax take effect?
The sales and use tax increase went into effect on April 1st, 2017. The City has just begun to receive the revenues. 

3. How much money will it raise?
The existing Measure P, which is a one-half cent sales and use tax that goes toward the Police Department, generates approximately $850,000 per year, so it is anticipated that Measure V will generate $1,700,000 or more per year.

4. What will the money be used for?
The money is only to be used for improving the roads in the City of Clearlake.

5. When will my road be worked on?
If you live on a publicly owned non-paved street, it is anticipated that it will be graded on an annual basis starting this summer. If you live on a publicly owned paved street, much more design, planning, and coordination will be necessary. City staff will be working on creating a recommendation for the City Council for the first year and will ultimately recommend a five year Capital Improvement Plan that identifies specific streets to be worked on over time. The Capital Improvement Plan will be updated annually.

6. Will unpaved streets be paved?
In most cases, unpaved streets will not be paved. Measure V will not generate enough money to pave the unpaved streets. There may be select roads that get paved due to special circumstances, but that will be the exception. The City Council will determine a policy and review this on a case by case basis.

7. When will work start?
Grading has begun.  Paving projects will begin in 2018.

8. What about private roads?
The City cannot spend public money to improve private roads. However, City staff is looking into possible “work arounds” that could involve property dedications, easements, or other legal agreements that may be able to allow public money to improve private roads in certain situations. Not all private roads will qualify and there may be some costs to the private road owners. This is currently still being investigated and it will be up to the City Council whether to approve a policy.

9. Will the City prevent the utilities and other contractors from trenching in the streets?
City staff is currently working on drafting an ordinance that would place a moratorium on trenching into a newly paved street for a certain number of years. Any trenching would require a complete repaving of the road section rather than the trench and fill currently allowed. City staff is also working with the local utilities to coordinate their planned infrastructure replacement Capital Improvement Plans with the City’s future Capital Improvement Plans in order to allow the utilities time to make any needed improvements before the moratoriums kick in. This ordinance will require a public hearing and City Council approval.

10. How long will the tax last?
The tax will sunset (expire) in 20 years.

11. What guarantee is there that the money will be spent appropriately?
The Citizen’s Oversight Committee will review expenditures in order to ensure that the money is spent the way City Council authorized. In addition, the fund will be audited annually by an independent, third party auditor.