The following is a press release issued by the County of Mendocino:
At the May 21st Board of Supervisors meeting, a significant resolution was unanimously passed, the Sherwood Corridor Special Benefit Assessment, marking a crucial step in enhancing community emergency infrastructure. The Sherwood Corridor Special Benefit Assessment is an annual property assessment that would provide funding to repair and maintain two emergency access routes in the Sherwood corridor benefiting the Brooktrails, Sylvandale, Spring Creek, and the Gates communities.
Board approval is the first step in implementing the assessment. Property owners within the designated benefit boundary will now vote on adopting the special benefit assessment. All property owners within the benefit boundary will receive an official ballot by mail by June 7, 2024. Ballots must be returned not later than July 23rd, by the end of the public hearing. Detailed voting instructions will be included with the ballot. If approved by voters, the earliest that the special assessment will appear in the tax roll is fiscal year 2024-25. The proposed benefit assessment term is set at 20 years. The rate of the special benefit assessment is $30.88 per developed parcel and $1.39 per undeveloped parcelannually, subject to CPI increases annually.
The existing Sherwood Road corridor, a single road serving a large population in a high-risk fire area, poses significant safety risks during wildfires. The proposed Sherwood Corridor Special Benefit Assessment, a crucial funding source, aims to address this issue by providing alternative access routes. These routes are essential during an emergency, serving as dedicated access roads for first responders or alternative evacuation routes for residents.
Firco Road is an example of the importance of such alternate routes. It was effectively used during the Oak Fire, allowing for a successful and safe evacuation of the area. However, Firco Rd and Willits Creek Rd both need repairs and ongoing maintenance to provide safe and effective emergency access. Because these roads are not county-owned but accessed through deeds, specific, dedicated funding must be raised to maintain them. This assessment is dedicated solely to the repairs and maintenance of these routes, ensuring their continued safety and effectiveness, and significantly enhancing our community’s safety during emergencies.
Third District Supervisor John Haschak shared his support for this resolution, “Our community’s safety is of the utmost importance to the Board. This resolution has been a long time in the making and I am very excited we have found a path forward. It paves the way for improvements to much needed emergency access routes, increasing our community’s safety during a wildfire event. I look forward meeting with the community May 28th to answer questions and emphasize the importance of property owners to please cast their votes. Lastly, I want to thank the many people who have helped in this process.”
The community is invited to a public presentation on May 28, 2024 at 7:00pm during the Brooktrails Township Community Services District’s Board of Directors meeting. Third District Supervisor John Haschak, the contracted engineering firm Bartle Wells, and County staff will be available for questions.
IMPORTANT DATES:
MAY 28th:
Community Presentation at 7:00pm
Location: Brooktrails Township Community Services District
24860 Birch Street, Willits CA 95490
JUNE 7th:
All property owners assessed for special benefit will receive an official ballot by mail.
JULY 23rd:
Public Hearing and ballot count. All ballots must be received prior to the end of the public hearing on July 23, 2024.
Location: Board of Supervisors Chambers
County of Mendocino Administrative Building
501 Low Gap Rd, Ukiah, CA 95482
For more information visit or scan QR code below:
https://www.mendocinocounty.gov/business/economic-development/special-benefit-assessment
Contact: Executive Office (707)463-4441 or econdev@mendocinocounty.gov
Paradise California did not learn this lesson, nor do anything until too late.