Measure E committee reports nearly $1.92 million to Fortuna in FY24‑25; funds directed primarily to police and parks

Fortuna — The Measure E committee reported that Measure E sales tax receipts provided $1,916,924 to the city in fiscal year 2024–25, supporting police staffing, parks projects, street maintenance and portions of the general‑fund shortfall.

Measure E Committee Chair Sue Long told the council that Measure E is a 0.75% local sales tax approved by voters in 2016 and that, because it is a local measure, "no one can steal it" — the revenue remains in Fortuna. She outlined FY24‑25 allocation totals: approximately $1,102,000 (51%) for the police department, $422,000 (20%) for Parks and Recreation, $238,000 to cover the general‑fund deficit and roughly $300,000–$400,000 for Public Works.

Long credited Measure E for enabling the city to maintain several police positions and for funding patrol and investigative capacity; she noted detectives handled about 1,481 incidents in 2024–25 and the city added a community services officer, records clerk and code compliance officer paid in part with Measure E funds. She also described parks equipment purchases, purchase of property to expand Newberg Park with $850,000 set aside for improvements, and replacement of police ballistic vests and other safety investments.

Committee members and staff emphasized that Measure E was passed to maintain essential services — police, street maintenance and youth and senior programs — and that the city has attempted to honor the measure’s intended uses. Long noted the measure will sunset in 2033 and encouraged continued attention to its planned projects and reserve funding.

Council thanked the Measure E committee for its work; no council action was required on the report.