A “yes” vote is a vote in favor of authorizing the parcel tax.
Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection DistrictMeasure O Parcel Tax - 2/3 Approval Required
Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District
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To prevent closing local fire stations, maintain local fire protection/emergency services, rapid 9-1-1 emergency response times, firefighter/paramedic staffing levels, and lifesaving rescue equipment, shall Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District replace an expiring property assessment with an $18 monthly parcel tax to maintain stable local funding until ended by voters, that cannot be taken by the State, providing $2,500,000 annually, exempting seniors, with citizen oversight, independent annual audits, all funds staying local?
What is this proposal?
Measure Details — Official information about this measure
YES vote means
NO vote means
A “no” vote is a vote against authorizing the parcel tax.
Impartial analysis / Proposal
County Counsel
The Board of Directors of the Rodeo Hercules Fire Protection District has adopted a resolution proposing a parcel tax (a qualified special tax).
This ballot measure asks voters to decide whether a parcel tax should be imposed on parcels of taxable real property within the District, beginning July 1, 2017. The proposed parcel tax has no expiration date. The parcel tax would be $216 per year on each parcel of taxable real property in the District. The tax would increase annually by the lesser of 3% or the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index.
A parcel of taxable real property is any unit of real property in the District that receives a separate tax bill for property taxes from the Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office. A parcel otherwise exempt from property taxes will also be exempt from the imposition of the parcel tax.
The ballot measure includes a senior citizen exemption. Any parcel owned and occupied by a person 65 years of age or older would be exempt from the parcel tax upon proper application each year to the District.
The ballot measure states that the proceeds of the parcel tax will be used to “prevent closing local fire stations, maintain local fire protection/emergency services, rapid 9-1-1 emergency response times, firefighter/paramedic staffing levels, and lifesaving rescue equipment.” Proceeds from the parcel tax may be used only for the specific purposes set forth in the ballot measure and according to constitutional and statutory provisions.
State law requires the District’s chief fiscal officer to file an annual report with the District Board that states the amount of funds received and expended in the year and the status of any projects required or authorized to be funded from the tax proceeds. State law also requires the proceeds from the parcel tax to be deposited into a designated account. Additionally, an independent community oversight committee appointed by the District Board will monitor expenditures.
Two-thirds of those voting on the ballot measure must approve the measure for it to pass.
A “yes” vote is a vote in favor of authorizing the parcel tax.
A “no” vote is a vote against authorizing the parcel tax.
Published Arguments — Arguments for and against the ballot measure
Arguments FOR
YES on O Keeps Hercules and Rodeo Fire Stations Open! Funding previously adopted by local property owners ends soon. Unless we replace it, only one of our local fire stations will be open during an emergency. YES on O simply replaces expiring public funding to ensure fire stations in both Hercules and Rodeo remain open.
YES on O Prevents Mass Loss of Lives. With an oil refinery, freeway, and railway next door to our communities, major fire–such as an explosion with multiple victims—is a risk. Vote YES on O to maintain the fire stations and professional firefighters/paramedics so essential to immediate response in these types of incidents!
YES on O Gets Us There When You Need It. The American Heart Association says brain deterioration starts 4-6 minutes after someone stops breathing. Most emergencies we respond to are medical. YES on O maintains our current 911 response times so firefighters/paramedics can get to victims quickly.
YES on O continues LOCALLY-CONTROLLED funding to:
- Ensure fire stations stay open full-time
- Maintain lifesaving rescue equipment
- Maintain local fire protection/emergency services
- Maintain the current number of on-duty firefighters/paramedics
YES on O is FISCALLY ACCOUNTABLE and includes strict taxpayer safeguards and transparency provisions!
- Annual Independent financial audits
- Independent Citizens Oversight
- Seniors 65+ are exempt!
- ALL funds are required to be spent on fire needs, and CANNOT be used for any other purpose
- NO money can be taken by Sacramento!
YES on O keeps our Hercules & Rodeo fire insurance rates low, and protects our properties in an emergency! Join local firefighters, business owners, and Hercules/Rodeo community members — vote YES on O!
Ernie Wheeler, Chair, Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District
Patty O’Day, Taxpayer Advocate
Vince Wells, President local 1230 Contra Costa Professional Firefighters
Deborah Drake, RMAC, Vice Chair
Alan Biagi, 43 Year Rodeo Resident
— Contra Costa County Elections Division
Arguments AGAINST
None Filed.
— Contra Costa County Elections Division
Who supports or opposes this measure?
Yes on Measure O
Organizations (1)
- United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County
Elected & Appointed Officials (0)
No on Measure O
Organizations (0)
Elected & Appointed Officials (0)
More information
Additional Resources (1)
Government Resources
Rodeo-Hercules Fire District Measure O — Rodeo-Hercules Fire District
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