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- Information About Measure O
Information About Measure O
Humboldt County's Roads/911 Emergency Response Measure
On July 23, 2024, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to place Humboldt County’s Roads/911 Emergency Response Measure on your Nov. 5, 2024 ballot.
It is well-known that Humboldt County has some of the worst roads in the state. This is partially because other counties, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, have passed transportation measures that give them access to billions in state and federal matching funds that the county currently cannot afford to access because it does not have the matching funds.
Measure O is a 1-cent (1%) sales tax measure that, if passed by voters, would help raise an additional $24,000,000 a year for Humboldt County. This would give Humboldt the resources to access millions more in state and federal funding to fix and repair local roads.
For 30 years the state has been transferring more and more costs from the state to local governments. This has added up to more than $500 million. This year, the state’s $46 billion dollar deficit meant hundreds of millions in statewide cuts to disaster preparedness and public transit - leaving Humboldt on its own.
Measure O ensures that visitors pay their fair share to maintain local roads. Measure O does not apply to necessities like rent, groceries, prescription drugs and medical/dental services.
Measure O Ballot Question
Humboldt County Roads, 911 Emergency Response Measure. To maintain 9-1-1 response times/ prepare for natural disasters by
- repairing deteriorating county roads/bridges
- fixing potholes
- maintaining evacuation routes
- bus services
- becoming eligible for Humboldt's fair share of state/federal roads funding
shall a measure enacting a one-cent sales tax, generating approximately $24,000,000 annually for general government purposes, until ended by voters, with citizens' oversight, annual audits, public disclosure, all funds used only for local services be adopted?
Related Links
- current pavement conditions
- pavement conditions affect 911 response times
- Late federal & state reimbursements harm normal maintenance
- Disaster preparedness needs
- Bus Service for Vulnerable Populations
- Job Creation
Pavement Condition Index
The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) represents the overall road conditions in incorporated Humboldt County. More than 800 miles of roads are inspected in Humboldt County to create a countywide score between 0 and 100.
A recent study found that Humboldt County has some of the worst pavement conditions in the state, with an average score of 49. At current levels of funding, most county roads will be rated as "failed" by 2033. Read the 2021/2022 Pavement Management Report.
Maintaining 911 Response Times
Road and pavement conditions may affect 911 response times when:
- Slides and or flooding occurs resulting in detours.
- Roads are closed due to extreme weather, earthquake damage, downed trees and power lines.
- Ambulance, fire and law enforcement service providers are impacted by road closures or detours.
Late Federal and State Reimbursements Harm Regular Road Maintenance
One key challenge in the county's ability to do more general maintenance on county roads is the impact of more frequent disasters on local roads, and funding.
- Disaster reimbursements from the state and federal governments often take more than 5 years to receive, if communities receive anything at all.
- Oftentimes it takes an average of 3years to get reimbursement approvals and they are not guaranteed.
- The county is currently waiting on millions of dollars of road maintenance reimbursement funds from the state and federal governments.
Disaster Preparedness Needs
It is essential to maintain storm drains, roads, public infrastructure and bus service on an ongoing basis, so the county can ensure that in the case of an earthquake, fire, snow, wind, or flooding, residents can stay safe, access essential services or evacuate quickly.
Better roads and transit mean:
- Faster 911 response times.
- Quicker evacuation times.
- More rapid and smoother ride for ambulance patients.
- Less wear and tear on vehicles from potholes.
- Greater resiliency during disasters.
- Ensuring seniors, disabled and low-income populations can access essential services.
Bus Service for Vulnerable Populations
A significant portion of Humboldt County residents who are 16 and older do not have a drivers license, many of whom are seniors, have disabilities or have low incomes. Maintaining bus service for these community members is essential - ensuring they can:
- Be transported to safety (taken to warming, cooling or clean air shelters, for example),
- travel to work,
- pick up prescriptions and groceries,
- take public transportation to school.
In addition, ensuring public transit options are available for rural areas and population centers can help meet state requirements for housing development.
Investing in Humboldt's Roads Creates Local Jobs
- Supplies: Asphalt, concrete and other materials typically used in road construction are most often purchased locally.
- Services: Contract work for roads projects has totaled more than $100 million over the last 10 years, spurring work for local contractors and truck drivers, among others.