About Measure #9-176
Permanent Tax Rate Limit Authorization
Election Day: November 5th, 2024
Background
The Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District (DSWCD) was established in 1947 to protect and enhance the natural resources within Deschutes County.
In the last year, the District conducted a thorough assessment of natural resource needs, and based on those results the elected Board voted to refer a measure to the ballot for a permanent tax rate limit authorization to the voters for the November 5, 2024 election. If passed, the maximum amount the District could levy is $0.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value, and this rate could not be raised.
This would be a dedicated funding source to fund conservation efforts through projects for urban and rural communities, farmers, foresters, business owners, schools and agencies.
DSWCD serves all of Deschutes County and promotes voluntary efforts to conserve water, protect drinking water supply, improve soil health for local farms and agriculture, support forest health, reduce wildfire risk, enhance fish/wildlife habitat, control invasive weeds, restore streams, and support natural areas and urban green spaces. DSWCD does not make or enforce regulations and is currently funded through short-term grants.
If Passed, How Much Would The Proposed Measure Cost?
If passed, the proposed measure would increase property taxes $0.06 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
The median DSWCD taxpayer is estimated to pay $1.19 per month on a home assessed at $238,000, or about $14 per year. The tax is expected to raise $2.1 million per year.
If the proposed levy does not pass, the specific set of projects identified below would not be completed and the proposed property tax increase would not occur.
What would the levy fund?
If passed, the proposed levy would provide a stable funding source for the District, expanding services and conservation projects in both urban and rural areas. If
passed, the levy would fund projects including:
- Water Conservation and Drought Resilience for
Farmers and Ranchers: Boosting irrigation efficiency, piping of shared private laterals, flood to sprinkler and sprinkler to drip conversions, and irrigation water management plans.
- Forest Health/Wildfire Risk Reduction: Developing forest management plans with landowners, addressing risk from insects and disease, and restoring lands after wildfires to protect homes and communities.
- Neighborhood and Urban Green Spaces: Enhancing green spaces, supporting community gardens, and converting landscapes to drought resistant and native pollinator landscapes.
If the measure passes, Deschutes SWCD plans to:
- Expand current projects and launch new ones to address environmental challenges in rural and urban areas.
- Increase resources and financial and technical assistance for landowners, communities, and partner organizations to support the implementation of best conservation practices.
- Expand educational programs to improve understanding and appreciation of conservation across all age groups in the community.