HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence from Darlene Starkey regarding Mosquito, Vector and Disease Control MeasureSweeney, Kathleen
From: Bennett, Robin
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2014 9:12 AM
To: Hahn, Paul
Cc: Sweeney, Kathleen
Subject: FW: Mosquito, Vector and Disease Control Measure
Attachments: Butte Co MVCD Stakeholder Letter.pdf; Butte County MVCD - 1 page handout - v3.pdf; Butte
County MVCD - 2 page handout - v3.pdf
FYI,
BOS email correspondence.
Thanks,
Robin Bennett,
I.Executive Assistant to Sup.7ervisor.Doug Teeter
(530) 87v-63o4 rbennettCipbuttecounty.aaet
5th . District Supervisor's Office,
County of Butte, Board of ,Supervisors, Chair
747 Elliott Road
Paradise, CA 95969-3939
From: Darlene Starkey [ mailto:darlenelstarkey @att.net]
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2014 8:44 AM
To: aadmad @stormnet.com; akastner @dfg.ca.gov; biggsl @biggs- ca.gov; Connelly, Bill; billsuppa @att.net;
brad ley.j.olson @gmail.com; broberts @manzanita.kl2.ca.us; ButteAg; Butte County RCD; cemeteryman@sa ber. net;
'Corey Willenberg'; csf @corporatecenter.us; dburklan @ci.chico.ca.us; dkaelin @biggs.org; Teeter, Doug;
dvanbaren @dfg.ca.gov; 'Dwayne Long'; 'E. Massa'; 'Gary Stone'; gbarber @paradiseirrigation.com; gbcd @sbcglobal.net;
'Gil Vazquez'; glaze @southfeather.com; glwla @dfg.ca.gov; gomp @att.net; 'Gregory Blake'; hccsd @sbcglobal.net;
igarcia @bcag.org; 'Jacqueline Dolar'; Boucher, James; jdiaz @thermalito.org; 'Jim Donnelly'; jim @durhamrec.com;
jmetherd @gfusd.org; 'John McIntosh - Gridley Unified'; kcakin @digital path. net; kelly_moroney @fws.gov; 'Kevin Kratzke';
kstaley @chicousd.org; Larry Kirk; Wahl, Larry; 'Lauren Gill'; Kirk, Maureen; 'Mike Wolder'; mmontero @gridley.ca.us;
morme @buttewater.net; msakuma @durhamunified.org; Carver, Nancy; ohlhausen @elmediofire.com;
oroville.district @att.net; orovillemad @yahoo.com; 'Paradise Cemetery'; parnold @bangorunion.org; 'Paul Hahn'; 'Paula
Blaney'; pchennel @ocesd.org; pdevereux @rd1000.org; 'Philip Isorena'; prpd @sbcglobal.net; 'Randy Murphy';
rbylund @pusdkl2.org; rhickey @gridley.ca.us; Price, Richard; 'Rick Rubio'; rid @pulsarco.com; 'Rock Creek District'; 'Rudy
Schnagl'; schiment @palermoschools.org; 'Scott Perkins'; 'Steve cordes - Upper Butte'; Lambert, Steve;
svisconti @chicorec.com; 'Ted Fredenburg - Pioneer Elem'; tedtrim @aol.com; 'Tim Taylor'; 'Tony Ruggle -Cal Water';
Newlin, Vickie
Cc: Grinnill Norton; Raevsky, Cathy; SGruendl @GlennCountyHealth.net; Lundberg, Mark
Subject: Mosquito, Vector and Disease Control Measure
Per our discussion or message I left, following is the letter I referred to that best explains the services the Butte County
Mosquito and Vector Control District provides, and why the District is pursuing this measure.
Two informational handouts are attached for your use or distribution as you see fit.
Should you have any questions or comments don't hesitate to contact me. I am also available for personal meetings , if
needed or wanted.
Sent on Behalf of District Manager Matthew C. Ball
Dawee *e L, Seaawky, 0��Ice Wafrage -
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5717 la,-16 r Bowl
01-or -ifle, C74 95965
530 -533 -6038 ow 530 -342 -7350
March 24, 2014
The Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) is going to attempt a funding measure
and this letter is intended to make you aware of what the District is doing, why the District is doing it, and
when it is being done. Hopefully, with this information, should you be questioned by one of your
constituents or a member of the public you serve, you will not be caught off guard.
During the February 12, 2014, regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, the District's Board of Trustee
unanimously approved to proceed with a Proposition 218 Special Benefit Assessment.
If approved, this measure would fund continued enhanced, year -round services to improve the control and
elimination of mosquitoes using environmentally sound methods. It would also fund ongoing disease
surveillance and the control of disease outbreaks associated with mosquitoes and other insects, including
but not limited to encephalitis, canine heartworm, rickettsia, Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
The District was created in 1948 as an independent special district and is the sole provider of mosquito
and vector control services within Butte County and Hamilton City except the small areas served by the
Durham and Oroville Mosquito Abatement Districts, which were formed earlier. The District is primarily
funded by a small portion of property taxes. However, the current funding has not kept pace with the
increased demand for mosquito control services. In addition, cost increases associated with controlling
West Nile virus and increased surveillance of invasive species, such as the Yellow Fever mosquito and
Asian Tiger mosquito, have further stressed the District's limited budget.
In late April 2014, property owners in Butte County and Hamilton City will receive a ballot by mail that will
allow them to decide if continued and enhanced, year -round mosquito, vector control and disease
prevention services should be provided in the District's Service Area.
The District is seeking this funding measure for many reasons as it has been stretching its current
revenue to continue providing mosquito, vector, and disease control services throughout the District's
service area. Without a stable revenue. source the District will be forced to cut back on future services.
The District is primarily funded by a small portion of local property taxes. With the reduction of property
values, the District's revenues have been cut dramatically over the past six years. Like most public
agencies, the District has never recovered from Proposition 13 and all the ERAF shifts. The District has
experienced increased operating costs due to legislation and regulation compliance (e.g. National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, Endangered Species Act, etc.). The District's limited
budget has been further stressed by cost increases in materials and supplies and a significant cost
increase controlling mosquitoes and mosquito -borne disease (e.g. West Nile virus, encephalitis, Lyme
disease, etc.). The District has made cuts to staff size, salaries
and benefits, operation costs, and capital. It's the fear that any further cuts in budget would lead to
reduced service, increased mosquito and vector populations, and potentially increased mosquito and
vector -borne disease.
The rates proposed on this measure are $9.69 per single family residential properties on one acre or less
per year, while other residential property types would be assessed according to the number of dwelling
units and size. Commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties would be assessed according to their
parcel size and property type.
Should you have any questions and /or comments please don't hesitate to contact me at 530 -533- 6038 or
530 - 342 -7350 or matthewcbalIP- att.net. I am also available at any time to meet with you. Attached are
informational handouts that the District will be giving to the public.
Respectfully,
Matthew C. Ball
District Manager
s • • Tom,
„ # i • ! �
5117 Larkin Read • Oroville, GA 95965 -9250
Phone. 530 - 533 -6538 - Fax: 530 -534 -9916 Matthew C. Sall
www,8CMVCD,com Manager
March 24, 2014
The Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District (District) is going to attempt a funding
measure and this letter is intended to make you aware of what the District is doing, why the District is
doing it, and when it is being done. Hopefully, with this information, should you be questioned by one
of your constituents or a member of the public you serve, you will not be caught off guard.
During the February 12, 2014, regular meeting of the Board of Trustees, the District's Board of
Trustee unanimously approved to proceed with a Proposition 218 Special Benefit Assessment.
If approved, this measure would fund continued enhanced, year -round services to improve the control
and elimination of mosquitoes using environmentally sound methods. It would also fund ongoing
disease surveillance and the control of disease outbreaks associated with mosquitoes and other
insects, including but not limited to encephalitis, canine heartworm, rickettsia, Lyme disease and
West Nile virus.
The District was created in 1948 as an independent special district and is the sole provider of
mosquito and vector control services within Butte County and Hamilton City except the small areas
served by the Durham and Oroville Mosquito Abatement Districts, which were formed earlier. The
District is primarily funded by a small portion of property taxes. However, the current funding has not
kept pace with the increased demand for mosquito control services. In addition, cost increases
associated with controlling West Nile virus and increased surveillance of invasive species, such as
the Yellow Fever mosquito and Asian Tiger mosquito, have further stressed the District's limited
budget.
In late April 2014, property owners in Butte County and Hamilton City will receive a ballot by mail that
will allow them to decide if continued and enhanced, year -round mosquito, vector control and disease
prevention services should be provided in the District's Service Area.
The District is seeking this funding measure for many reasons as it has been stretching its current
revenue to continue providing mosquito, vector, and disease control services throughout the District's
service area. Without a stable revenue source the District will be forced to cut back on future
services. The District is primarily funded by a small portion of local property taxes. With the
reduction of property values, the District's revenues have been cut dramatically over the past six
years. Like most public agencies, the District has never recovered from Proposition 13 and all the
ERAF shifts. The District has experienced increased operating costs due to legislation and regulation
compliance (e.g. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, Endangered Species Act,
etc.). The District's limited budget has been further stressed by cost increases in materials and
supplies and a significant cost increase controlling mosquitoes and mosquito -borne disease (e.g.
West Nile virus, encephalitis, Lyme disease, etc.). The District has made cuts to staff size, salaries
and benefits, operation costs, and capital. It's the fear that any further cuts in budget would lead to
reduced service, increased mosquito and vector populations, and potentially increased mosquito and
vector -borne disease.
The rates proposed on this measure are $9.69 per single family residential properties on one acre or
less per year, while other residential property types would be assessed according to the number of
dwelling units and size. Commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties would be assessed
according to their parcel size and property type.
Should you have any questions and /or comments please don't hesitate to contact me at 530 -533-
6038 or 530 - 342 -7350 or matthewcball @att.net. I am also available at any time to meet with you.
Attached are informational handouts that the District will be giving to the public.
Respectfully,
c
Matthew C. Ball
District Manager
Mosquito, Vector & Disease Control
by the Butte County Mosquito & Vector Control District
At the end of April 2014, ballots will be mailed to Butte County and Hamilton City property owners. These
ballots will allow property owners to decide if continued, comprehensive, year -round mosquito control
and disease prevention services should be provided within the District service area. Below are some of
the services that would be provided if this measure is approved:
Reduced Mosquito Populations using Environmentally Sound Methods
Mosquito control using environmentally sound methods that focus on locating the sources of
mosquito breeding (usually stagnant, standing water) and eliminating immature mosquitoes
(larvae) before they emerge as adults and begin biting people and animals (and transmitting
diseases).
Surveillance and Prevention of Disease Outbreaks
Enhanced, year -round testing for diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and other
insects such as West Nile Virus, Encephalitis, Canine Heartworm, Lyme disease and
Malaria. Appropriate disease prevention services in locations in which a disease outbreak is
discovered.
Free Mosquito -eating Fish and Response to Service Requests
Mosquitofish available to the public at many locations throughout the District. Property
owners and residents could call the District for a service request in the area of their property.
A service technician would respond promptly and without extra cost.
Fiscal Accountability
Several layers of accountability to ensure that all funds are expended properly. Funds can
only be spent on mosquito, vector and disease control services within the District's service
area. The budget for the services proposed for each year will be presented to the public
annually, including a professional audit.
Additional Information
For additional information on the Mosquito, Vector and Disease Control Measure, please
contact the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District at (530) 533 -6038.
Watch for your Mail Ballot after April 25, 2014
MOSQUITO, VECTOR AND DISEASE
CONTROL MEASURE
by the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District
rNatch for Your Mailed Ballot in April 2014
In Fate April, ballots will be mailed to property owners in Butte County and Hamilton City for a proposed
Mosquito, Vector and Disease Control Measure. If approved, this measure would fund:
• Improved control and elimination of mosquitoes using environmentally sound methods.
• Improved control of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and other vectors, including encephalitis,
canine heartworm, and West Nile virus.
The Mosquito, Vector & Disease Control
Measure
The Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District
was created in 1948 as an independent special
district, separate from any City or the County. The
District is the sole provider of mosquito and vector
control services for your property.
The District is primarily funded by a small portion of
property taxes. However, the current funding has not
kept pace with the increased demand for mosquito
control services in the last few years. In addition, cost
increases associated with controlling West Nile virus
and increased surveillance of invasive species, such
as Yellow Fever mosquito and Asian Tiger mosquito,
have further stressed the District's limited budget.
In April 2014, property owners will receive a mailed
ballot that will allow them to decide if continued,
comprehensive, year round mosquito control and
vector -borne disease prevention services should be
provided in the County. If this measure is approved,
other disease - carrying arthropods, such as ticks,
would also be monitored.
Mosquitoes spread diseases like West Nile Virus and encephalitis
Environmentally Sound Services
Mosquitoeswould be controlled using environmentally
sound methods that focus on finding the sources of
mosquito breeding (usually stagnant, standing water)
and eliminating immature mosquitoes (larvae) before
they emerge as adults and begin biting people and
animals.
Mosquito fish
are a natural
way to rid many
kinds of aquatic
sources of
mosquito larvae
Technicians
would
expand
disease
testing
areas
Why Is This Measure Needed?
The District has been stretching its funding to
continue providing mosquito, vector and disease
control services throughout the District's service
area, but without a stable revenue source the District
will be forced to cut back future services.
Additional funding would also allow the District to
more actively test for and respond to new diseases
transmitted by mosquitoes and other insects, such
as West Nile virus, encephalitis and hantavirus. The
District would also provide more surveillance and
control for mosquitoes, ticks, yellow jackets and
other vectors and pests.
How Would the Program Test for Diseases?
In order to test for mosquito -borne viruses such
as West Nile virus, encephalitis, malaria, and
canine heartworm, the District would use disease
surveillance approaches including mosquito and
insecttraps. Thesetraps require significant resources
to operate because they must be set in the evening
and must be emptied the following morning. Insects
collected would be taken to the laboratory, counted,
identified and — if needed — tested for disease.
How Do I Know the Funds Will Be Used Wisely and for Their Intended Purpose?
The Measure includes several layers of accountability to ensure that all funds are expended properly on mosquito, vector
and disease control:
• Funds can only be spent on mosquito, vector and disease control services within Butte County and Hamilton City.
• The budget for the services proposed each year will be presented to the public annually, including a professional audit.
• The budget and services will be overseen by the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees.
What Are the Specifics of the Measure?
The measure would provide funding for the following:
Mosquito Control - Continued year -round control, using environmentally sound methods, of mosquito sources before
immature mosquitoes (larvae) emerge as adults and begin biting people and animals.
• Mosquito- eating fish would continue to be provided to the public free of charge.
• Certified technicians would identify additional mosquito breeding sources and locations, and prevent adult mosquitoes
from emerging.
West Nile Virus Disease Prevention - Enhanced year -round testing for West Nile virus and other disease prevention
services in locations in which the disease is found.
• Mosquito traps throughout the Service Area to provide early warning of disease outbreaks.
• Dead bird testing for the presence of West Nile virus and other diseases.
Response to Service Requests - Improved response to requests for service from property owners and residents.
Additional service technicians would reduce the District's response time and would more quickly address mosquito and
other vector problems.
Disease Surveillance /Prevention — Increased surveillance by proactively and routinely identifying the presence,
location, types and quantities of vectors. This is a critical step in assessing the health risk and establishing an appropriate
response to disease outbreaks.
• Testing and monitoring for diseases carried by mosquitoes, such as encephalitis, canine heartworm, and malaria.
• Surveillance and testing of ticks and the diseases they carry such as Lyme disease, relapsing fever, and Rickettsia.
Community Education - Continued education of the public about protecting themselves and their pets from diseases
carried by mosquitoes and other insects, and prevention of mosquito breeding in backyard locations.
Public education provides awareness and information about vectors,
protect themselves.
The District would continue distributing brochures, media releases,
information on the internet.
What are the Proposed
Rates?
Single family residential
properties on one acre or less
would contribute $9.69 per
year, while other residential
property types would be
assessed according to the
number of dwelling units and '
size. Commercial, indus
and agriculture properties
would be assessed according
to their parcel size and
property type.
Additional Information
7
For additional information on the Mosquito, Vector and Disease Conti
please contact the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District
the diseases they carry and how people can
newspaper articles, group presentations and
'0.
Backyard mosquito
breeding sources
Look for your ballot to your matt b WA prl 2014