Majority Of Tuolumne County Residents Polled Support Tax Increase

By Bill Johnson Published Jul 13, 2005 07:35 am Updated Jan 31, 2009 02:30 pm

Sonora, CA — Out of 404 Tuolumne County residents surveyed 74% say they would vote for a tax increase to support fire services.

The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors learned Tuesday that the public is willing to take a tax hike to support not only fire services but the Sheriff´s Department as well.

Bill Berry with The William Berry group has been polling local residents on their opinion regarding the likelihood of increased taxes to offset a $700,000 budget shortfall to the county fire services.

Mike Noonan with CDF says he was surprised to hear that the public was satisfied with the level of service provided due to the lack of staff and funding they have been faced with over the past 20 years.

The Board has asked staff to put together a recommendation to be reviewed at a future meeting.