Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is Measure Z?

On July 22, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to place Measure Z on the November 4, 2014, ballot to maintain and improve essential Humboldt County services, including public safety. If adopted by voters, Measure Z will, by law, expire in five years.

2. Why was Measure Z placed on the ballot?

With $286 million in State takeaways over the past 22 years, Sacramento has taken significant revenue from Humboldt County’s budget, decreasing public safety and other essential services. If Measure Z passes, it will provide a guaranteed source of local funding that cannot be taken by the State on a temporary basis, for 5 years. The Board action to place Measure Z before the voters followed input from a countywide community survey that asked residents about their priorities for local county services. Measure Z will give the community the opportunity to address local services needs among these cuts.

3. What does Measure Z cost?

Measure Z is a one-half cent sales tax that will, by law, expire in five years. Sales tax is not applied to prescription medicine or food purchased as groceries and visitors to our region also pay the cost. Measure Z is subject to strict community and fiscal accountability, including annual independent audits and community input via a citizens’ advisory committee to ensure funds are spent efficiently.

4. How will Measure Z address my public safety needs?

Due to budget constraints, Sheriff’s patrols have been greatly reduced across Humboldt County, meaning it can sometimes take several hours for a Sheriff’s deputy to respond to a call. If enacted Measure Z can provide the funds necessary for expanding patrols, maintaining emergency 9-1-1 response times, and making sure calls about violent or property crimes are responded to promptly.

Also, volunteer fire departments and firefighters play critical roles in protecting life and property here in Humboldt County. Additional resources will help maintain rural fire and ambulance protection services, allowing our first responders to better – and more safely – protect County residents.

5. I’m concerned about the illegal drug industry and increased narcotics use in our region.

Clearly, hard drugs and narcotics like meth are growing problems in Humboldt County. Measure Z can provide the additional funds the County needs to fight drug-related crimes, eliminate meth labs, and provide drug prevention and rehabilitation services.

Illegal, large-scale, marijuana farms are diverting and drying up sensitive creeks and streams and using toxic pesticides that destroy Humboldt County’s natural environment. The additional funds generated by Measure Z can protect our natural resources from these illegal industrial operations.

6. How will Measure Z enhance County services?

If adopted by voters, Measure Z will provide funds to maintain and improve public safety and essential services, including:
- Investigating violent crimes, such as rape and domestic violence
- Maintaining 911 emergency response times
- Ensuring there are Sheriff’s deputies on-duty
- Providing services for the victims of child abuse
- Maintaining rural fire protection and ambulance services
- Cleaning up environmentally damaging marijuana farms

7. When is the election?

Tuesday, November 4, 2014. You can register to vote on-line.

8. Where can I get more information about Measure Z?

The County will continue to keep the community informed about Humboldt County’s essential service needs and fiscal condition. For more information, visit our Measure Z page.