Members of oversight board finalized

MEASURE Q

The sunset is reflected in the San Lorenzo River as pedestrians make their way down the San Lorenzo Boulevard sidewalk in May. Rivers are among the natural water resources Measure Q has sought to fund improvements for through an annual parcel levy. SHMUEL THALER — SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL FILE

Image

By PK Hattis

pkhattis@santacruzsentinel.com

SANTA CRUZ >> The nine-member advisory board responsible for ensuring revenues from a newly passed countywide parcel tax are effectively and transparently implemented has been finalized.

Santa Cruz County released the names of the Measure Q Citizens Oversight Advisory Board Tuesday, tasked with providing independent oversight of the $87 annual parcel tax passed by voters in November. The oversight board is composed of a representative from each of the four cities in the county along with an appointee from all five supervisor districts.

The appointees are:

• 1st District: Julieann Howard.

• 2nd District: Dennis Webb.

• 3rd District: Sandy Brown.

• 4th District: Julissa Espindola.

• 5th District: Mark Correira.

• City of Watsonville: Abel Sanchez.

• City of Scotts Valley: David Sanguinetti.

• City of Santa Cruz: Rachel Dann.

• City of Capitola: Scott Harway.

The countywide tax was passed by voters in last year’s Nov. 5 election with 76,797 votes, or 60%, cast in favor and 50,866, or nearly 40%, opposed. It is expected to generate about $7.3 million yearly that will go to water quality, clean beaches, wildlife habitats and wildfire reduction efforts distributed throughout the county.

Among the oversight board’s responsibilities are approving five-year vision plans that guide the Measure Q revenue investments, and reviewing reports from partner agencies and organizations that have implemented projects powered by Measure Q funds to ensure the grants are being spent in ways that align with the measure’s goals.

The advisory board’s first public meeting has been set for April 16, where members will be oriented. Agenda information will be posted at santacruzcountyca.gov.