Eureka residents to vote on Measure H this Election Day

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EUREKA, Calif. (KIEM) — Measure H will be on this year’s ballot for Eureka voters. If passed, would enact a 1.25% sales tax within city limits. It would take effect July 2021 just as Measure Q will be expiring. It is not a tax on your home or property.

According to the city, the measure is estimated to generate about $9.6 million per year. That money would go into the city’s general fund, and towards maintaining city operations like police, fire and emergency medical response, homelessness prevention, and general road improvements.

“It will more than double the amount of funding that we currently use from our general fund towards roads, but it will also allow more money to match state and federal dollars, so that we can do that much more roadwork in the city limits,” according to Interim City Manager Miles Slattery.

Supporters of Measure H say not only will it bring matching state and federal funding to address a number of issues, but also ensure out of towners who use our services are paying their fair share. Those against it take issue with the fact that there is no expiration or sunset clause for the new tax.

“It’s until voters want to amend or repeal the tax measure. So what this provides is every two years the ability whether it’s a councilmember or a member of the public to collect the appropriate votes to go put it back on the ballot and determine whether or not it needs to be amended or repealed,” Slattery says.

The city will conduct annual audits, and a third party financial advisory committee will work to make sure the city is spending the money appropriately.

“We want to make sure that the services were providing were able to maintain them, and also make sure that we continue to enhance it and improve on the quality of life in the City of Eureka,” Slattery adds.

More information on Measure H can be found on the City of Eureka’s website.