Stinson Beach Residents Voting on Tax to Mitigate Flooding

PHOTO: Easkoot Creek in Stinson Beach inches toward overflow stage during a previous storm. CREDIT: County of Marin.

By Bay City News Service:

Voters in Marin County Flood Control Zone 5, Stinson Beach, will vote Tuesday on a 20-year parcel tax to reduce flooding risks for residents, visitors and businesses and reduce sediment entering Bolinas Lagoon.

The tax that ends June 30, 2036, is $250 annually for improved parcels and $50 for unimproved parcels in Flood Control Zone 5.

Measure A by the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District requires two-thirds approval.

Marin County officials started a flood mitigation study of Stinson Beach and four other communities after the 2005 New Year’s Eve flood, the measure’s supporters said in a statement on the ballot. They said the solutions to chronic creek flooding in the communities are known but money is lacking.

Measure A’s tax proceeds will pay for increased maintenance and creek dredging to remove sediment and debris and to support wetland restoration, supporters said.

Passage of Measure A will allow the county to seek matching grant money for a flood water diversion channel to bypass emergency access roadways, homes, and businesses and reduce flooding, supporters said.

The measure also will provide money for habitat enhancements for fish and wildlife.