To: Board of Supervisors of Sonoma County
Department or Agency Name(s): County Executive’s Office
Staff Name and Phone Number: Maggie Luce, 707-565-1796
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Measure H Oversight Committee Bylaws
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt bylaws to govern the Measure H Oversight Committee.
end
Executive Summary:
Measure H, the “Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Initiative” Transaction and Use Tax was approved by voters in March 2024 and became operative in October 2024. Measure H authorizes a countywide one-half cent special transaction and use tax (sales tax) to supplement existing funding for wildfire prevention and preparedness, paramedic services, and emergency and disaster response. Measure H required the formation of an Oversight Committee to provide transparency and ensure fiscal accountability of the tax proceeds, which was formed in early 2025.
On September 18, 2025, the Oversight Committee held its first meeting and approved the Committee’s bylaws, which set forth the operating procedures and duties of the Oversight Committee. The bylaws provide that they become effective upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors, but any subsequent amendments may be made and approved by the Committee. Therefore, the Board of Supervisors’ adoption of these initial bylaws is required for them to become effective.
Discussion:
On March 5, 2024 the “Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Initiative” (Measure H) (Attachment A) passed successfully with 61.71% of voters approving a one-half cent sales tax on the sale and use of tangible property within Sonoma County, including both incorporated and unincorporated areas, until ended by the voters, to supplement existing funding for wildfire prevention and preparedness, paramedic services, and emergency and disaster response, raising approximately $60,000,000 annually. The new sales tax became operative as of October 1, 2024.
On January 14, 2025 <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7085820&GUID=12C03924-4551-479E-A16B-450D651EA4A4&Options=&Search=>, the Board of Supervisors created the Measure H Oversight Committee. The Committee will review, at least on an annual basis, the receipt and expenditures of the revenue from the sales tax, including an annual report of each recipient Agency’s use of the tax. There are approximately 20 tax recipient entities pursuant to Measure H.
The first Measure H Oversight Committee meeting took place on September 18, 2025. At this meeting, the Committee members approved the Committee bylaws (Attachment B). The bylaws include provisions on the Committee’s name, authority and purpose; duties of the Committee; membership; officers; meetings and quorum; and how the bylaws become effective and amended. The bylaws provide that they become effective upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors, but any subsequent amendments may be made and approved by the Committee. Staff recommends the Board adopt the bylaws in order for them to become effective.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
10/14/25: Measure H Update
5/13/25: Measure H Oversight Committee Appointments <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7374152&GUID=C4439F08-88A2-4327-A66D-8B867379FAEE&Options=&Search=>
1/14/25: Measure H Oversight Committee Creation <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7085820&GUID=12C03924-4551-479E-A16B-450D651EA4A4&Options=&Search=>
9/26/23: Adopt a Resolution submitting the Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services, and Disaster Response Initiative and Sales Tax Petition to the Voters of Sonoma County <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6338188&GUID=927F17A6-F5F9-4774-8CAB-6B50A3FC9F45&Options=&Search=>
9/12/23: Accepting Certificate of Sufficiency for the Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services, and Disaster Response Initiative and Sales Tax Petition <https://sonoma-county.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=6338188&GUID=927F17A6-F5F9-4774-8CAB-6B50A3FC9F45&Options=&Search=%3E>
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY25-26 Adopted |
FY26-27 Projected |
FY27-28 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
0 |
0 |
0 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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General Fund Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
None
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Attachment A: Measure H Tax Ordinance
Attachment B: Measure H Oversight Committee Bylaws
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None