County, citizens work on H.C. mosquito issues

Hamilton City's continuing saga of overlapping mosquito control services may be closer to a resolution.

Glenn County Supervisor Leigh McDaniel earlier this week said he is working with a citizens committee formed by Hamilton City resident Tom Anderson to come up with an equitable assessment since those residents are being charged twice.

Anderson went before the supervisors last year to protest the community's inclusion in the Glenn County Valley Wide Mosquito Abatement District since Hamilton City already is served by the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District per an annexation agreement approved during the 1980s.

His complaint was property owners are being assessed by both districts yet getting most of their service from Butte County at a lesser cost of about $4 a parcel annually. The Glenn County assessment runs $21.63 for single-family residences and $9.90 for mobile homes.

Anderson also sits as Hamilton City's representative on the Butte district board.

McDaniel asked board approval Tuesday for allowing county staff such as County Counsel Huston Carlye and others to work with him on resolving this situation.

The board said OK, and McDaniel said "Hopefully, we can put this to rest this year."

A meeting of the citizens' group is scheduled in March, McDaniel said.

He added the goal is to come up with a prorated assessment or other decrease to the fees charged to Hamilton City tax bills.

Otherwise, another election to remove the community from the Glenn County district or decrease the fee might be necessary, he said.

McDaniel, a farmer in the area, represents Hamilton City.

Supervisor Tracey Quarne of Orland said the issue needs to be resolved, and Supervisor Mike Murray of Willows called McDaniel's request "an excellent idea."