Two years ago, the town of San Anselmo voted to withdraw from a controversial flood control district. But homeowners continued to be charged to support its operation. Now, advocates are saying they want that stopped and they want their money back.
San Anselmo has good reason to be concerned about flooding. The storm in December 2005 sent a river of water running through the downtown, and in 2007, homeowners began being taxed an average of $150 per year to support flood control projects. But now, after almost 20 years, and with $48 million collected and spent, residents say there hasn’t been a lot to show for the effort.
And in San Anselmo, the residents’ revolt really gained steam after Marin County ordered the demolition of a town bridge, it called a flooding hazard, that contained a popular outdoor public plaza. Ross Asselstine was the leader of the opposition…