THE NEW REFERENDUM

Although the new referendum will continue the ESL program, there are three main differences that will help improve the program.

1. The 0.25 millage levy is not required to be bonded allowing financing flexibility for the County to get the best deal possible for taxpayers. With this option, the County can use funds as they are collected, eliminating a debt service payment. However, a purchase may come along that requires more funding than is readily available. A bond issuance would obligate the future revenue to make the purchase now. In addition, certain bonds have time restraints to use the funding without a penalty. Flexibility would help eliminate this from occurring.
    
   
2. The millage will remain the same every year.  The prior referenda used declining millage over the period of the program because the program required bonding.  A flat millage rate is predictable and will provide revenues that keep up with growth and inflation.
   
   
3. Up to 10% of the funds are eligible to be used for wildfire hazard reduction, habitat enhancement, and public access improvements. The prior referenda were for land acquisition costs only.