Plumas County voters will decide on June 2 whether to approve a 1% countywide sales tax aimed at stabilizing county finances. The Plumas County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved placing the tax measure on the ballot during a January 6 meeting.
The proposed sales tax would generate approximately $3 million annually and automatically expire after 12 years. It requires a simple majority for approval.
Board Chair Mimi Hall explained the need for the tax, citing ongoing budget deficits despite recent efforts such as budget balancing strategies, improved forecasting, cost containment, and expenditure reductions. The county’s structural deficit for the 2023-2024 fiscal year was $12.9 million, improving to $6.2 million for 2024-2025, but costs like retirement, health insurance, and salary increases continue to challenge finances. A 10% salary increase for county workers in 2025 alone adds $3 million in ongoing costs.
Hall emphasized that while the sales tax would not fully solve budget issues, it would significantly help. The tax would add 1% to most purchases countywide, spreading the burden across residents and visitors alike. If approved, Plumas County’s sales tax rate would increase from 7.25% to 8.25%, comparable to rates in nearby counties and cities.
Not all attendees supported the measure. Josh Hart of Portola criticized the sales tax as regressive, suggesting instead taxing wealthy property owners and second homes to generate revenue. Others, like Debbie Hopkins and Janet Crain, stressed the importance of extensive public education about the measure’s purpose and county financial challenges.
Supervisors expressed varied views: Jeff Engel preferred the sales tax over raising departmental fees to keep the county affordable; Dwight Ceresola expressed reluctant acceptance; and Tom McGowan suggested using some revenue for economic development to attract younger families and new residents.
The measure was formally approved for the ballot, with county counsel clarifying it as a general tax requiring only a simple majority.
Now that the measure has been approved to appear on the June 2 ballot, arguments for and against it can be generated to appear in ballot materials, said Plumas County Clerk-Recorder Marcy DeMartile. She will begin accepting them Jan. 12.
