LAKEPORT >> With 45 of 75 precincts reporting, the outcome of Measure S is uncertain.
As with Measure L, which failed in June, Measure S would impose a half-cent sales tax to fund lake-related programs, which include water quality, aquatic invasive species and nuisance aquatic weed and algae programs.
Measure S required a two-thirds vote in order to be passed. According to returns available at press time 64 percent voted in favor, 36 percent against.
The tax is expected to raise $2.4 million annually beginning in spring 2015, of which $1 million will be allocated to aquatic invasive species prevention; $400,000 will go toward the Middle Creek Marsh Restoration Project; $400,000 will be used for weed and algae abatement; $250,000 will fund the Burns Valley Creek water quality project; $250,000 would go toward the water quality monitoring program; and $100,000 would fund the purchase of property to create wetland adjacent to the Clearlake Keys, according to the measure ordinance.
Money raised from the measure can only be used to pay for specific projects which benefit the lake. Including reducing the algea blossoms, keeping quagga mussels and other invasive species from contaminating the lake, funding mandated water quality programs no fully paid for the by the state and federal agencies, as well as paying the county”s share of the Middle Creek Marsh and other wetland restoration projects.
The Water Quality Monitoring Program would consist of three projects, which include stream monitoring, lake sediment monitoring and lake monitoring for nutrients and cyano-bacteria toxins, the ordinance continues.
Mail in ballots and absentee votes will be counted over the next several days. The final result will be announced at that time.
During the June 3 primary election, Measure L failed to reach the required 66.7 percent of yes votes by 2.5 percent, receiving 65.2 percent yes and 34.8 no.
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
