The Mosquito, Vector and Disease Control Assessment is a mailed ballot measure for property owners that, if approved, will allow the District to provide continued, comprehensive, mosquito and other vector surveillance and control, and vector-borne disease testing and prevention services.

Why did I receive a ballot?

The ballot you received is your opportunity to vote on the continued mosquito, vector and disease control services from the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District. Please review the notice included with your ballot for more information on this measure.

What is the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District and what is the role of the Cities or County with this measure?

The Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District is an independently-funded public health service agency, separate from any City or the Counties. Since 1942 the District has been providing mosquito, vector and disease control services within its boundaries. Throughout its history the District has been fiscally responsible and has worked within its limited budget, even when faced with cost increases and the added cost of controlling disease outbreaks from mosquitoes (such as West Nile Virus).

Currently, the District is funded by a portion of property taxes and a small, annual assessment. However, this assessment is due to expire in 2017. In order to provide quality mosquito, vector and disease control services, the District needs to continue receiving this important source of funding. This measure would provide that funding.

Will any of this money go to the County or State to be used for other purposes?

No. All money collected by the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District from this proposed Mosquito, Vector and Disease Control Assessment must be used for local mosquito, vector and disease control within the District.

What types of services will be funded?

Continued and enhanced disease surveillance and prevention
Continued and enhanced mosquito and vector control
Enhanced response to service requests and supply of mosquito-fish
Surveillance for, and response to, new mosquito species and emerging diseases

Summary of proposed services:
Mosquito Control - Continued and enhanced year-round control, using environmentally sound methods, of mosquito sources before immature mosquitoes (larvae) emerge as adults and begin biting people and animals.
- Mosquito larvae-eating fish would continue to be provided to the public free of charge.
- Trained technicians would identify additional mosquito breeding sources and locations, and prevent adult mosquitoes from emerging.
West Nile Virus & Other Vector-Borne Disease Prevention - Continued and enhanced surveillance and disease testing for West Nile virus. Increased surveillance of other types of vectors and vector-borne disease to assess the health risk and establish an appropriate response to emerging disease outbreaks.
- Mosquito traps set throughout the District to provide early warning of disease outbreaks.
- Testing of dead birds for the presence of West Nile virus and other diseases.
Response to Service Requests - Enhanced response time to requests for service from property owners and residents.
- Additional seasonal technicians would help reduce the District’s response time and would more quickly address mosquito and other vector problems.
- Testing and monitoring for diseases carried by mosquitoes, such as encephalitis, canine heartworm, and malaria.
Community Education – Enhanced education of the general public and students in schools about protecting themselves and their pets from diseases carried by mosquitoes and other insects, and prevention of mosquito breeding in backyard locations.
- Public education provides awareness and information about vectors, the diseases they carry, and how people can protect themselves.
- The District would continue distributing brochures, media releases, newspaper articles, group presentations, information on the internet, TV, radio, and at community events.

How would assessment funds be spent? What are the public accountability and fiscal controls?

All the assessment funds raised would be spent on mosquito, vector and disease control in the District. Public accountability and fiscal controls include the following:

Budget for the services proposed each year will be overseen by the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees
Annual independent audits
Annual public hearings and public reviews

Is there a public hearing on the assessment? When will results of the ballot proceeding be known?

A public hearing will be held by the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, commencing at 2:00 pm, at the District headquarters, located at 2338 E. McKinley Avenue, Fresno, California. You are invited to attend the public hearing.

Tabulation of the returned ballots will commence after the close of the public hearing.

Results of the tabulation are expected to be announced at a public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at 2:00 pm at the District headquarters, located at 2338 E. McKinley Avenue, Fresno, California. You are invited to attend this meeting.

How can I return my ballot?

You may return your ballot in either of the following ways:

Mail it to the address shown in the enclosed, postage-paid return envelope so it is received on or before June 17, 2015.
Deliver it in person to the public hearing which is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, at the District headquarters, located at 2338 E. McKinley Avenue, Fresno, California.

What is the deadline for returning my ballot?

To be counted, ballots must be received before the close of the public testimony portion of the public hearing scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. This deadline applies regardless of whether the ballot is mailed or hand-delivered at the public hearing.

I own several properties. Why did I receive only one ballot?

Ballots can list up to 14 parcel numbers. Property owners that own more than one piece of property with the same mailing address in the District will receive/received one ballot with up to 14 of their properties listed on the ballot as well as the proposed assessment for each property. When you cast your ballot, you are casting for all of your properties listed on the ballot.

How much is this assessment?

The proposed assessment for your property for fiscal year 2015-16 is printed on the Official Ballot included with the notice and information item. The rate for most single family homes is $5.00 per year. Other residential property types would be assessed according to the number of dwelling units and parcel size. Commercial, industrial and agricultural properties would be assessed according to their parcel size and property type. The proposed assessment would raise approximately $573,000 for fiscal year 2015-16.

Can the amount of the assessment be adjusted for inflation in future years?

If approved in this ballot proceeding, the assessment can be continued annually based on a majority vote of the Board of Trustees. In future years after 2015-16, the assessment can only be adjusted for inflation by an amount equal to the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) in Pacific Cities and U.S. City Average, not to exceed 2% per year. Any change in the CPI in excess of 2% shall be cumulatively reserved as the “Unused CPI” and shall be used to increase the maximum authorized assessment rate in years in which the CPI is less than 2%.

How long will the assessment last?

The assessment, which is initially proposed for the fiscal year 2015-16, may be continued on an annual basis with a majority vote of the Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees. Before the assessment can be continued in any future year, the District must first prepare a budget and plans for upcoming fiscal year. Then the Board of Trustees must hold a noticed public hearing on continuing the assessment and the budget for the assessment before the assessment can be authorized for the upcoming year.

For any additional questions or comments call us at 559-268-6565 between the hours of 7:30am to 4:00pm starting April 29, 2015

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Benefit Assessment Ballot Results

Total Percentage of "Yes" Ballots, Weighted by Assessment: 64.33%

Total Percentage of "No" Ballots, Weighted by Assessment: 35.67%