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Well into the ninth hour of Tuesday’s protracted Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting, the supes voted 3-1, with First District Supervisor Rex Bohn absent and Fifth District Supervisor Steve Madrone dissenting, to direct staff to prepare a county finance-related measure for March primary election ballots.

If passed, the measure would combine the offices of the county auditor-controller and its treasurer-tax collector into a single Department of Finance, whose director would be appointed by the board.

Attentive voters with good memories may recall being asked to consider exactly this proposal back in 2016, via Measures Q and R, with Q asking whether voters wanted the two finance positions combined into one while R asked whether the director of such a department should be elected or appointed. 

Q wound up failing by a margin of roughly 54 percent to 46 percent, making the answer to R irrelevant. However, after the tumultuous tenure of former Auditor-Controller Karen Paz Dominguez, the Board of Supervisors last year decided to take another run at it, directing staff to start working on a new version of the measure.

Staff’s recommended ballot language for the do-over, presented in a staff report yesterday, goes as follows:

Humboldt County Fiscal Accountability and Financial Management Act.
To maintain stringent fiscal accountability standards and ensure the Treasurer/County Auditor is professionally trained/qualified, shall the County of Humboldt consolidate the offices of Auditor-Controller and Treasurer-Tax Collector into one department led by an appointed, professionally qualified Director of Finance responsible for:

• making only authorized and legal payments;
• ensuring timely and accurate property tax billing and payments; and
• requiring posting of monthly financial reports for public review?

Board discussion on the item began with a presentation from representatives of a pair of public polling firms, FM3 Research and the Lew Edwards Group, which recently conducted interviews with 661 likely voters, asking their opinions on a range of issues, including county finance matters, transportation and other key concerns.

According to the results, respondents are most concerned about homelessness, drug use and the cost of housing, with road conditions being a lower priority.

Another poll question found that a majority of likely voters are concerned about waste and inefficiency in local government while traffic safety concerns ranked much lower. (The results have a four percent margin of error, according to Curtis Below of FM3.)

The polling results were designed to inform the board’s decisions on two potential ballot measures: one regarding the potential consolidation of county finance offices and another regarding a potential new revenue measure — either a retail sales tax designed to finance road repairs and general county services or special purpose tax measure to generate revenues specifically earmarked for roads and transportation.

In California, “special purpose” taxes require 66.67 percent voter approval to pass whereas “general” tax measures need just a simple majority. However, the higher threshold could soon be lowered for some specific projects. A statewide ballot measure set to appear in March, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1, will ask voters whether new special taxes and bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure projects should require only 55 percent approval to pass. County staff said that’s one reason why it might make sense to wait until next November for a roads tax.

On Tuesday, the board had to decide not only which route to take with each of the two potential measures but also whether to place them on March 2024 primary ballots or the November General Election ballots.

Public Works Director Tom Mattson spoke to the need for road maintenance funds.

“Our roads are in bad shape and getting in worse shape,” he told the board, and he reminded them that a 2016 retail tax measure aimed at funding road repairs narrowly failed at the ballot box. Mattson said he’s committed to working with the county and educating voters before they’re asked again to consider such a tax, likely next November.

During the public comment period, leaders of local environmental groups urged the board to include funding for public transit in any transportation-related ballot measure.

Colin Fiske, executive director of the Coalition for Responsible transportation Priorities (CRTP), said a coalition of local groups “will oppose any growth road tax measure that fails to include public transit and other work to decarbonize transportation.”

Caroline Griffith, executive director of the Northcoast Environmental Center, backed up Fiske’s stance, and she questioned whether the polling results were skewed by improper framing of the issues, particularly the connection between public transit and climate change.

Addressing the proposed consolidation of county finance offices, Treasurer-Tax Collector Amy Christensen said she’s opposed to the idea.

“I firmly believe that the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office needs to remain independent and that the Treasurer-Tax Collector should be elected by the people of Humboldt County,” Christensen said.

Mychal Evenson, who serves as the county’s deputy auditor-controller but stressed that he was speaking purely as an individual, agreed with her.

“There’s important internal control differences between the Treasurer-Tax Collector and the Auditor-Controller,” he said. “They need to stay apart. If they get combined … it opens up opportunities for fraud.”

However, Arcata resident Kate Shea Ennis suggested that an appointed finance director position might attract more qualified candidates.

”We’ve experienced recently what can happen when we have someone who’s less than qualified in a position of power, and the absence of necessary, required documents really jeopardizes funding for the most vulnerable in our communities,” she said. “And so it really is a very important issue to all of us, and one that should appear on the ballot.”

The board spent a good deal of time debating the substance and timing of the two potential ballot measures, trying to agree when, how and whether to present the matters to the voting public.

Madrone stated at the outset of the discussion that he would not support a ballot measure asking voters to combine the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s office and Auditor-Controller’s office into a single Department of Finance. But he did propose getting a roads measure on the March ballot.

Mattson and other county staffers suggested that it would be better to take more time crafting a transportation-funding initiative, allowing time for staff to get public feedback that could inform the language of a ballot measure. County Administrative Officer Elishia Hayes said it will take “an incredible amount of work” to prepare a transportation funding measure, whereas staff has been working on the finance measure since last year.

Deputy County Administrative Officer Sean Quincey addressed concerns about the independence and accountability that a county director of finance would have, noting that it would be a state-regulated position subject to annual audits.

Third District Supervisor Mike Wilson said there are “cogent and real arguments” on both sides of the debate, and he said it makes sense for voters to make the decision. However, he did observe that some fiscal management professionals may not want to pursue elected office.

”I do understand that it’s hard to recruit for these positions, but I don’t see [how] requiring someone to go through an electoral process expands our recruitment,” Wilson said.

“Elections are scary,” Second District Supervisor Michelle Bushnell agreed. “And so some people just don’t have it in their wheelhouse.”

Madrone pushed back, saying he doesn’t think a unified Department of Finance is needed, and he reiterated his call to get a roads-funding measure on the March ballot, despite the pressure it would put on staff. (The county would need to finalize the language of a ballot measure by December 8 to meet the county Elections Office deadline for the March primary, and there are only two Board of Supervisors meetings between now and then.)

Wilson wound up making a motion to adopt staff’s recommendation, which was to move forward with placing the Department of Finance measure on the March ballot and to continue community outreach for a tax revenue measure in the fall.

Madrone wound up voting “no” due to his opposition to establishing a Department of Finance. Bohn was out of town representing the county at a National Association of Counties meeting and thus did not vote.

The motion passed 3-1, though the board won’t finalize the finance-related ballot measure until a future meeting.

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If you’re planning to pay a visit to the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Social Services Branch on Koster Street in Eureka anytime soon, you may want to mask up or even wait a while. The site is currently understaffed due to a major COVID outbreak.

“Social Services Koster Building A is under CalOSHA ‘major outbreak’ status, due to a high number of employees with COVID,” Christine Messinger, DHHS spokesperson, wrote in an email to the Outpost Wednesday afternoon. “CalOSHA defines a ‘major outbreak’ as 20 or more employee COVID cases in an exposed group who visited the worksite during their infectious period within a 30-day period.” 

The sign currently posted on the door of Building A

Messinger said that the worksite will remain in “outbreak status” until one or fewer new COVID cases are detected in the exposed group over a 14-day period, as is outlined in the California Code of Regulations for COVID-19 outbreaks. So it’s hard to say how long the current state of affairs will continue.

The site, which offers assistance with benefit programs like CalFresh and Medi-Cal, is continuing to operate through the outbreak, and a sign has been posted on the door letting people know about the large number of COVID cases, recommending that they mask while inside the building. Messinger added that “mandatory masking for staff’ has also been implemented, as well as “other mitigation measures.” 

DHHS wants to advise people that, because so many employees are out with COVID, the site is also very understaffed and people should expect wait times to be longer, both at the Koster Street building and at the call center. 

If at all possible, you might want to first try getting assistance with CalFresh, Medi-Cal, etc. at BenefitsCal.com, before you try to call or visit the site. 

Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

Oppen.

On November 7th, 2023, Humboldt County Drug Task Force Agents served a search warrant at the residence of Lander Oppen (Age 33) located in 300 block of Quail Valley Rd. in Eureka. After a multi-week investigation, the HCDTF believed Oppen was in possession of large quantities of Cocaine and Ketamine for the purpose of sales.

Upon arrival at the residence, agents located Oppen on the property where he was detained without incident. Agents also located and detained William Robert Briggs (Age 46), inside of the main residence.

Once the scene was secure, agents began searching Oppen’s residence. In the garage area, agents located approximately 1.2 pounds of Ketamine, 8.8 ounces of MDMA (Methylenedioxy-Methamphetamine), 2.5 ounces of MDA (Methylendioxy-Amphetamine), ½ ounce of cocaine, 6 vials of LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide), 3 pounds of dried psilocybin mushrooms, 7.5 ounces of Psilocybin gummies, 38 Psilocybin capsules, 61 tablets of Diazepam, over $27,000 in US Currency, packaging materials, and digital scales.

Briggs.

Agents also searched a bedroom that Briggs was believed to be residing in. During the search, agents located a Polymer 80, 9mm handgun. The 9mm handgun was non-serialized and equipped with a threaded barrel.

Oppen was transported to the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked for the following charges:

• 11378 HS Possession of a controlled substance for sales
• 11366 HS Operating/maintaining a drug house
• 11351(A) HS Possession of narcotics for sales

Briggs was transported the Humboldt County Jail where he was booked on the following charges:

• 30605 PC Possession of an assault weapon
• 32000 PC Illegal manufacturing of a firearm

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.

PREVIOUSLY:

• Fatal Crash Near Henderson Center Closes I Street
• Another Two-Car Collision on Henderson Sends Three to the Hospital
• And Yet Another Crash in Eureka Has Closed One Lane of Broadway

Press release from Humboldt Bay Fire and the Eureka Police Department:

Humboldt Bay Fire and Eureka Police Department would like to address the recent traffic collisions on Henderson Street. We have seen a total of five traffic collisions since the morning of November 7th. Three of those traffic accidents occurred on Henderson Street with one resulting in a fatality.

Humboldt Bay Fire and Eureka Police Department would like to remind everyone to please slow down in residential areas and be aware on one-way streets. It is important to obey all traffic laws such as coming to a full stop at all stop signs and traffic lights. As well as slowing down for construction zones and amber signals.

According to the National Safety Council speeding was a factor in 29% of fatality accidents in 2022. It is important to stay vigilant of the speed limit as well as other drivers. Henderson Street has a speed limit of 30 miles per hour unless in a school zone. Distracted driving was a factor in 8.2% of fatal traffic accidents according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. This includes the use of handheld devices; distracted driving is a primary cause of major injury crashes involving teens.

This is a great opportunity for the community as a whole to commit to safe driving practices including following the speed limit and keeping those cell phones away while behind the wheel. Safety is our highest priority and our condolences go out to the family of yesterday’s victim.

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Approximately 20 protesters gathered outside U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman’s field office in Old Town Eureka on Wednesday afternoon, holding handmade signs and waving a Palestinian flag as they chanted slogans demanding a “free Palestine” and decrying American support for Israel.

Billed as a “Ceasefire NOW” demonstration, the protest began on Third Street, and organizers said they planned to march from there to the Humboldt County Courthouse.

Protesters elsewhere in Huffman’s district have also gathered to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, and last week, Huffman apologized for voting against a House resolution that condemned the support of Hamas and Hezbollah on university campuses.

Huffman is currently in Washington, D.C., and the door to his Eureka office was closed and locked during the protest.

Press release from the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office:

Applications for awards from the Asset Forfeiture Special Funds are still being accepted now through December 31, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Any local programs designed to combat drug abuse and divert gang activity among elementary though high school aged students in Humboldt County have an opportunity to apply for funds granted from efforts of the Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF).

With over 70 investigations per year that often involve large scale, complex and illicit narcotics traffickers and organizations, HCDTF efforts lead to removal of illegal profits from those engaged in drug sales, manufacturing, and distribution. 15% of funds lawfully removed from the hands of drug traffickers are set aside to fund continuation or development of positive intervention community programs.

A panel consisting of the Humboldt County District Attorney, a local police Chief, the Humboldt County Sheriff, and the Chief Probation Officer will be reviewing applications and awarding funding to those who meet requirements.

On behalf of all members of the Humboldt County Drug Task Force Executive Board, District Attorney Stacey Eads invites those interested in developing or continuing a community program combatting drug abuse amongst youth in our community to please visit the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office Programs and Outreach website page at this link to learn more and apply.

PREVIOUSLY: Another Two-Car Collision on Henderson Sends Three to the Hospital

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Press release from the City of Eureka:

On November 07, 2023, at about 2:04 p.m., officers from the Eureka Police Department (EPD) as well as personnel from Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) responded to the report of a two-vehicle traffic collision at the intersection of Henderson and Union Streets in Eureka. It was reported that one vehicle, a Ford SUV, had overturned and the occupant was still trapped inside.

HBF was able to remove the driver from the overturned vehicle who was then transported to a local hospital by City Ambulance for moderate to serious injuries.

The second vehicle, a silver Honda Sedan, had come to rest atop a brick fence in the yard on the southwest corner of the intersection. The driver and passenger of this vehicle were both 15 years old and able to self-extricate from the vehicle. Both suffered moderate to serious injuries and were transported by City Ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. At this time, Intoxication does not appear to be a factor in this collision.

This is an active investigation and EPD is asking if anyone witnessed the collision to please contact Sergeant Jonathan Eckert at 707-441-4081. EPD is specifically wanting to speak to the driver of a white vehicle that was stopped at the stop sign on Union Street at Henderson at the time of the collision.

The Eureka Police Department want to thank our community for its patience yesterday as we investigated these traffic collisions and for those that have provided us valuable information.