CLEARLAKE — The Clearlake City Council opted Thursday to seek a citywide, rather than countywide, sales tax initiative in the November election. The discussion originated with use of funds identified for road improvements and code enforcement. However, specific use and percentage of funds is to be determined in a later discussion that is likely to occur on July 12.
On June 14 the council heard the results of a survey that was conducted by the Area Planning Council (APC) to determine if there is support for passing a countywide sales tax measure. The city requested the survey include questions specific to the city. The purpose was to assist the council in determining if the city should pursue its own sales tax initiative.
According to the survey, responders were asked if they would support a half-cent sales tax increase for the purpose of road repairs. The response for the countywide measure showed 68 percent approval. The response from people in the city limits showed 78 percent support.
City Manager Joan Phillipe said the margin of error for city response is estimated at 6.9 percent with a 95-percent confidence level. The measure would need 66 percent approval to pass..
The council continued the June 14 discussion pending decisions by the Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) and the Lakeport City Council. Phillipe said the BOS continued its discussion on Tuesday. The BOS expressed interest in designating some funds for lake improvements. The Lakeport council voted 3-1 to support a countywide sales tax initiative.
Mayor Joey Luiz said he was looking for unanimous decisions from the other entities, adding a concern for the BOS desire to designate some funds for lake improvements. “If they decide to go that direction, we are taking a big gamble because we are right on the cusp (of initiative support). We”ve got little time here and we don”t have time to play around. If we are going to pull all our cards, if we are going to take the risk, we need to do it on our own.”
Lake County Assistant Public Works Director, Lars Ewing, said if the city initiates its own ballot measure the county will be “locked out” of initiating a countywide ballot measure.
In other news the council held a public hearing and adopted the Official Plan Line for Dam Road Extension. It provides guidelines for future growth in the area and does not provide approval of any specific construction project. Construction projects will require additional public discussions prior to approval.
The introduction and first reading of an ordinance prohibiting smoking in city parks was held. State law prohibits smoking in playground areas. The ordinance expands the law to cover the entire park.
The introduction and first reading of an ordinance changing the city from a city administrator form of government to a city manager form was also held. The change, which is to be described within the city code, allows the city manager to hire and fire managerial positions without direct approval of the council.
Phillipe amended a recommendation regarding a November ballot measure to increase Transient Occupancy Tax in the city. She recommended the measure be sought in the June 2014 election.
