Letter: Meyers Area Council urges "yes" vote on Measure M in March

On March 3, 2020, the Meyer’s community will need to make some difficult decisions about the services that we need and want in our community. Not only do we need to support our Lake Valley Fire Fighters through Measure B, but we also need to decide whether timely, safe and efficient snow removal is vital to our safety, our economy and our ability to live and work in Meyers. For the Meyer’s Advisory Council, the answer is a resounding YES.

Our snow removal equipment is grossly out of date and becoming impossible to repair. Much of the equipment that is being used by our County Service Area 3 (CSA 3) is out of air quality compliance (deemed a “gross polluter), breaks down, and no longer has available parts to repair. Over the last two snow seasons, the staff has reported reduced plowing times of up to 40-50 percent due to inefficient or broken equipment. Currently 50% of the fleet is down and out of service and some machines are so old that the replacement parts are no longer available. As a community, it has been noticeable that side roads are plowed less frequently and in January a snow eater broke down on Plumas Circle.

Our CSA 3 is asking for our community support by voting YES on Measure M. Your Meyers Advisory Council supports Measure M as we believe that the safety of our community always comes first and is convinced of the need for better and more efficient snow plowing equipment.

The current parcel tax of $20 has not changed since 1983. Measure M will increase the parcel tax to a total of $6.68/month. That is still less than the cost of a pint of beer at D-Sky, and the plows will be there to ensure that you can get to D-sky!

Measure M will only last 20 years but while it is in place, it will provide the necessary funding to ensure safe, quick and efficient snow removal during that timeframe. The County has been studying new techniques used by Incline Village that will save hundreds of thousands of dollars by using one piece of equipment for both snow plowing and snow blowing. They also plan to rent multiple loaders to phase out old graders as this will provide newer and better equipment and save time wastage as if it breaks down a new one will be sent immediately.

The safety aspect of snow removal is clear. $80 a year is less than the average car insurance deductible and vastly cheaper than the average Barton Hospital bill! But Measure M is also vital to our safety services. During storms, snow removal equipment will often go in front of fire engines and ambulances to ensure that the medical teams reach their patients quickly and without issue. If Measure M fails, response times could lengthen and that puts the community at even greater risk Measure M will be paid by everyone with a developed parcel in the community –, VHRs, 2nd homes and local residents alike. Measure M is also a special tax. It requires a 66.6 percent majority Meyers Advisory Council (MAC) and the money raised can ONLY be used for snow removal equipment in the CSA 3 area which
includes the unincorporated areas of the El Dorado County Tahoe Basin, excluding the community of Tahoma who approved an increased tax measure in 1993 and have sufficient funds for their plowing equipment. An independent committee will be established to ensure that the money is being spent appropriately and according to the requirements of Measure M.

There is no ability for the funding to be taken into the general fund or spent in other areas. This is very important, if we are being asked to pay for this, then it is only right that the money and equipment stay in our community.

The Meyer’s Advisory Council has spoken at length with County staff and feels confident that Measure M is the only option to ensure the safety and mobility of the Meyer’s Community. We hope that you will join us and vote YES on Measure M.

Signed,
Chair: Amanda Ross
Vice-Chair: Judith Wood
Member: Leon Abravanel
Member: Carl Fair
Member: Joseph Cardinale
Member: James Marino
Secretary: Trevor Coolidge
Member: Greg Daum