Planning staff signals tax delinquencies and upcoming payment-plan deadline; cannabis community deadline noted

Humboldt County planning staff reported March 6 that the county is preparing to move forward on enforcement for property owners who owe unpaid fees or taxes and did not enter into payment agreements.

Director Ford said 22 accounts would be forwarded on March 11 for further action. When asked whether those accounts would go to the Board of Supervisors, Ford said the Board of Supervisors “alone have the ability to revoke.”

Ford and commissioners discussed the payment-plan option. Staff confirmed the county had required a $100 down payment per project to enter a compliance payment plan and that paying that amount by March 31, 2024, would have kept a project off the enforcement list. “That is correct,” staff said about the $100 figure.

Ford also briefed the commission on pending cannabis-related deadlines that have generated concern in the cannabis community. He said the board had asked that farmers finish paying the balances for their processing and enter into an agreement by March 31, 2024, and that balances for certain Major S taxes be paid by March 31, 2025. He said staff will take an item to the Board of Supervisors asking what the board wishes to do in response; Ford said many had not paid beyond the $100 good-faith payment.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the payment-plan mechanics and timelines. Ford said the cash down payment and the March dates were set in prior notifications and that staff would bring options to the Board for next steps.