Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Roads Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Polling shows slim margin for 1‑cent unincorporated roads tax; board directs staff to prepare plan and next steps
Summary
FM3 Research told the board a hypothetical 1‑cent sales tax for unincorporated roads polled about 66% support (near the two‑thirds threshold); supervisors directed staff to continue preparatory work including drafting an expenditure plan, with debate over timing and campaign logistics.
Mendocino County Department of Transportation Director Howard DeShield and FM3 Research presented survey results on March 10 testing a possible 1‑cent local sales tax for county‑maintained roads in unincorporated areas. FM3 said the tested 75‑word expenditure statement drew roughly 66% initial support in a sample of likely November voters — just at the two‑thirds threshold required for a special tax.
Curt Bailow of FM3 said voters were most motivated by concrete fixes and oversight: the strongest reasons to back the tax were permanently repairing potholes, preventing further deterioration and assurances that the money "be spent locally" and "publicly disclosed." Bailow noted that “definitely yes” support was near 40%, which is close to but just under ideal intensity for a robust two‑thirds result, and that polling context and messaging (matching funds, local control and audit/disclosure provisions) affected support levels.
Public commenters and supervisors stressed the need for a clear and geographically equitable expenditure plan. Civic commenter Dave Speck urged staff to show how additional revenues would align maintenance with actual wear and ensure that low‑volume lifeline roads — where a single road serves a community — are prioritized. Union and other speakers emphasized accountability and local outcomes.
Board members debated timing, ballot form (special tax vs. general tax) and campaign logistics. The maker of the motion asked staff to treat this as a specific (special) tax and to prepare an expenditure plan and the legal documents required to place a measure on the November ballot (if the board chooses to do so). The board voted to direct staff to continue the necessary steps from the FM3 recommendations and to authorize departmental expenditures to accomplish ballot preparation; Supervisor Cline recorded a dissent when the motion returned for final action later in the meeting.
Next steps: DOT and county staff will craft a detailed expenditure plan (what projects would be funded and how funds will be allocated geographically), consult with county counsel on defensible ballot language and present draft materials to the board for approval prior to the August deadline for November placement. MCOG offered to perform additional tracking polling if the board wishes an updated measure of voter sentiment.
