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Measure E oversight committee reports $1.94 million raised in 2023–24, majority spent on police
Summary
The Measure E Oversight Committee reported that Measure E generated $1,938,466 in fiscal 2023–24—about 19% of Fortuna's general fund—with 71% of expenditures going to the police department and funds used for streets, parks, staffing and other city needs.
The Measure E Oversight Committee presented its annual report to the Fortuna City Council on Feb. 4, showing that Measure E brought in $1,938,466 during fiscal year 2023–24 and accounted for roughly 19% of the city’s general fund.
Sue Long, chair of the Measure E Oversight Committee, summarized how the funds have been used since the tax was placed on the ballot and amended in 2020. Measure E is a three‑quarter percent (0.75%) transaction sales tax that expires on March 31, 2033. The measure is a general tax; the ballot language specified that revenue would be used to protect and maintain essential city services, including restoring police staffing, repairing streets and potholes, parks maintenance and programs for youth and seniors, and other general fund purposes.
Long told the council the police department accounted for 71% of Measure E expenditures in 2023–24; public works received about 8%, parks and recreation about 12% and the remaining 9% went to administration and general fund balancing. She cited specific projects funded in part by Measure E: stormwater improvements on Twelfth Street to reduce seasonal flooding, paving and striping work on several streets, small storm-drain maintenance projects, and acquisition of the Newberg Park property formerly owned by the McQueen Foundation (work remains to address drainage and parking needs at that site).
Long detailed program spending and staffing supported by Measure E, including the parks and recreation director and recreation program supervisor positions, transit to Eureka for older residents, continued maintenance and improvements to basketball courts, community service officer, records clerk, an over-hire patrol officer and a code compliance officer, the canine program and some police facility work. She also said $37,500 was allocated toward a boom mower but USDA funding was not obtained; the city continues to seek funding for the equipment. A small amount was used for illegal camp cleanup along creek banks ($2,113 reported).
Long thanked departing and continuing oversight committee members, noting Debbie August had resigned and Martin Morris serves as vice chair; she referenced incoming nominees who would be considered later in the meeting. Council members lauded the oversight committee for its accountability and transparent review of Measure E spending.
Ending: The council will consider appointments to the Measure E Oversight Committee later in the meeting and staff will continue to report on Measure E allocations and remaining projects.
