Noxious Weed Mill Levy: What you need to know

The 2012 approved Noxious Weed Mill Levy is due to sunset in June of 2017.

According to Jefferson County Weed and Mosquito Coordinator Jill Allen, the mill levy being proposed on the November 8 ballot will be a continuation of the existing mill to maintain what is currently operating the herbicide cost-share program.

Allen said two mills fund the herbicide cost-share program and the remaining mill will fund education outreach program, information pamphlets, and training sessions.

WHAT THIS MEANS

The amount of three mills generates about $80,163 per year for use by the Jefferson County Weed District during fiscal year 2018 and for three additional fiscal years thereafter for the following:

1. An allocation of $53,442 will be used to support the County-Wide herbicide cost share program allowing residents and landowners to acquire herbicides at a reduced cost to a Jefferson County taxpayer.

2. Approximately $11,535 will be used for weed control in the Municipalities, cemeteries, ball fields, rodeo grounds and other designated public areas.

3. The District will use approximately $7,054 for educational programs to promote good land stewardship, aid residents in obtaining applicator licenses and inform people in the safe and correct use of herbicides.

4. The District shall use the remaining amount, approximately $8,132 to research and apply techniques to work on specific location and weed problems and mitigating methods, bio-control and weed mapping and inventory.

Any remaining amounts would be used for District operation and special community projects.

The tax impact of the election of three mills on a residence with a phase-in value of $50,000 would be about $2.03 each year; $100,000 would be about $4.05 each year; and on a residence of $200,000 would be approximately $8.10.