Information About Measure S Humboldt County Fall 2016

What is Measure S? On August 9, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors unanimously placed Measure S on the November ballot. Measure S is a local commercial marijuana cultivation measure that, if enacted by voters, will help maintain local County services with locally-controlled funding.

Why was Measure S placed on the ballot? Humboldt County prides itself on fiscal responsibility, and protecting your public safety, environment and quality of life. The State has continually taken money from the County budget – over $325 million from Humboldt County alone. Measure S would provide locally-controlled funding that cannot be taken by the State

Why was Measure S placed on the ballot? (continued) Measure S would provide a source of local funding to maintain essential services that cannot be taken by the State, including: Enforcing laws that require marijuana growers to protect natural areas and waterways Maintaining services for victims of child abuse Maintaining rural ambulance service Maintaining mental health services for children and families Providing emergency communications for medical and first responders Cleaning up after environmentally damaging marijuana farms

How does Measure S help protect our natural resources and beauty of our County? Illegal marijuana farms are destroying our environment and risking our health by: Diverting and drying up sensitive creeks and streams Use toxic pesticides that harm wildlife and risks public health If enacted, Measure S will ensure marijuana growers pay their fair share to: Help protect our public safety, health and environment Enforce laws that require growers protect our County’s natural areas and water quality

Measure S would provide additional local funds to fight: How does Measure S address the illegal drug industry and increased narcotics use in our region? Hard drugs and narcotics like meth and heroin continue to be a growing problem in our County. With over $325 million in State takeaways over the past 24 years, Sacramento has taken significant revenue from Humboldt County’s budget. Measure S would provide additional local funds to fight: Drug-related crimes Eliminate drug labs Provide drug prevention and rehabilitation services.

What does Measure S cost? If enacted, Measure S will tax commercial marijuana growers a rate of $1-$3 per square foot tax, based on the type of commercial marijuana grow. Funds from Measure S would be subject to strict accountability provisions including: Annual independent audits Public review of expenditures to ensure funds are spent efficiently and responsibly

When is the election? Measure S is on the November 8, 2016 ballot. To register to vote online and for more elections information, visit the Humboldt County Elections Department at humboldtgov.org.

Where Can I Get More Information? The County will continue to update the community about Measure S. Get more information at: humboldtgov.org Sign up for our County e-newsletter: humboldtgov.org/newsletter Visit humboldtgov.org/OpenHumboldt to provide your feedback