Lakeport >> Before casting their ballots during the Nov. 8 elections, voters can submit their arguments for or against a proposed 1-cent sales tax recently backed by the City Council.
Measure Z, referred to as the Lakeport Public Safety/Essential City Services Measure, could provide an estimated $1.5 million annually if adopted by voters during this upcoming general election, deputy city clerk Hilary Britton said an a press statement announcing the notice of argument submissions.
Money from the tax would be used to maintain or enhance general city services, such as hiring and retaining police officers. Other targets for funding include paving and repairing streets and potholes as well as maintaining city parks and pools.
The measure would require independent audits, citizens’ oversight and all revenues be controlled locally.
Arguments for and against Measure Z must be typed and submitted to the city clerk, Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St., Lakeport, no later than Aug. 5 at 5 p.m. They may be turned in by the Lakeport City Council or any member/members of the council authorized by the governing body; any citizen who is eligible to vote on the measure; a bona fide association of citizens; or any combination of such voters and associations.
No argument shall exceed 300 words in length. No more than five signatures shall appear with any argument, which must be accompanied by a statement with the name and signature of any person submitting, as well as the name of any organization including name and signature of at least on of its principal officers.
Only one argument for and one argument against will be selected for printing and distribution with the sample ballots.
The city council has also determined rebuttal, not to exceed 250 words in length, as submitted by the authors of the opposing direct arguments, may be filed with the city clerk no later than Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. with same name and signature requirements as the original argument.
If interested, contact Deputy City Clerk’s Office at (707) 263-5615, extension 12 prior to the deadline for filing arguments.
