Mosquito tax’s timely approval

One week after the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District announced the county’s property owners had approved a tax increase to bolster mosquito control, the district announced two groups of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus. One group was collected west of Dayton and the other was in the East Biggs area.

The tax, which will cost most households $9.69 annually, will add $795,000 to the mosquito control budget, which currently stands at $2.55 million, a drop of about $500,000 since 2008 due to property devaluation.

“It’s imperative that residents assist with the prevention of mosquito breeding by inspecting and eliminating all standing water from their properties and to protect themselves from the bite of mosquitoes,” said Matthew Ball, manager of the control district.

The public is asked to report dead birds, which may be victims of the virus, by calling (877) 968-2473.