Since 2007 the voters of the West Point Fire District have continued to approve a special tax to help fund their fire department who is committed to the highest level of training, professionalism and loyalty to its citizens. Unfortunately, since the original tax in 2007 cost have risen tremendously but the tax income has remained at 2007 levels. California minimum wage laws have also significantly impacted labor costs. You are being asked to again support the tax with an additional modest $15 per month. Approval of Measure C will provide desperately needed funding to continue 24-7 lifesaving fire and medical services to the communities of West Point and Wilseyville. For several years the West Point Fire District has cut costs, increased efficiencies and deferred maintenance in order to continue operating within its existing funding amounts yet without additional funding, the District will be forced to reduce staffing and will not be able to maintain medical and fire suppression service levels. With your yes vote on Measure C the West Point Fire District will continue the responsible, transparent approach to managing the costs of our emergency medical and fire response services and adequately provide for the long-term safety of our community. Following the passage of Proposition 13, Article XIIB was added to the State Constitution which established limits on the amount of annual property tax which special districts can spend. With voter approval of Measure C the amount of tax collected would exceed the District’s established expenditure limit and the approval of Measure would also establish a new expenditure limit and authorize the District to spend the special tax collected. Measure C also provides an alternative means of revenue which cannot be taken by the State. Please Vote Yes to continue Medical and Fire Protection Services.
West Point Fire Protection DistrictMeasure C - 2/3 Approval Required
To maintain a rapid local emergency medical and fire response solely within the West Point Fire Protection District, and continue current staffing of firefighters and equipment ready for emergencies, shall a special property tax of an additional $180.00 per year per parcel, raising approximately $350,000.00 annually, be adopted by the District, with a discretionary annual adjustment equal to the California Per-Capita Personal Income, but no greater than 3%, with all funds staying in our community?
What is this proposal?
Pros & Cons — Unbiased explanation with arguments for and against
Supporters say
Opponents say
None Filed
Details — Official information
YES vote means
A “YES” vote on this Measure would grant West Point Fire Protection District (the “District”) legal authority to levy an additional special tax of $180.00 on parcels within the District’s boundaries in year one, in addition to the current tax of $78.50 per parcel per year.
NO vote means
A “NO” vote on this Measure is a vote against the increase to this special tax.
Impartial analysis / Proposal
Sarah Edwards, County Counsel
This Measure has been placed on the ballot by the West Point Fire Protection District Board of Directors. A “YES” vote on this Measure would grant West Point Fire Protection District (the “District”) legal authority to levy an additional special tax of $180.00 on parcels within the District’s boundaries in year one, in addition to the current tax of $78.50 per parcel per year. In the District Board’s discretion, the tax could then increase annually consistent with the California Per-Capital Personal Income, but by no more than 3%. Approval of this Measure authorizes the District to secure these additional tax revenues only for purposes described in the Measure: to meet the ongoing costs of funding the existing staffing and equipment to maintain emergency medical and fire response within the District. The District must also comply with other accountability measures pursuant to Govt. Code § 50075.1 et seq., including establishment of a special account into which the revenues of the special tax shall be deposited, and filing of an annual report regarding collections and expenditure of the special tax revenues. A “NO” vote on this Measure is a vote against the increase to this special tax. Measure C must be approved by 2/3 of the voters of the District voting upon said Measure to become effective.
Published Arguments — Arguments for and against
Arguments FOR
Since 2007 the voters of the West Point Fire District have continued to approve a special tax to help fund their fire department who is committed to the highest level of training, professionalism and loyalty to its citizens. Unfortunately, since the original tax in 2007 cost have risen tremendously but the tax income has remained at 2007 levels. California minimum wage laws have also significantly impacted labor costs. You are being asked to again support the tax with an additional modest $15 per month. Approval of Measure C will provide desperately needed funding to continue 24-7 lifesaving fire and medical services to the communities of West Point and Wilseyville. For several years the West Point Fire District has cut costs, increased efficiencies and deferred maintenance in order to continue operating within its existing funding amounts yet without additional funding, the District will be forced to reduce staffing and will not be able to maintain medical and fire suppression service levels. With your yes vote on Measure C the West Point Fire District will continue the responsible, transparent approach to managing the costs of our emergency medical and fire response services and adequately provide for the long-term safety of our community. Following the passage of Proposition 13, Article XIIB was added to the State Constitution which established limits on the amount of annual property tax which special districts can spend. With voter approval of Measure C the amount of tax collected would exceed the District’s established expenditure limit and the approval of Measure would also establish a new expenditure limit and authorize the District to spend the special tax collected. Measure C also provides an alternative means of revenue which cannot be taken by the State. Please Vote Yes to continue Medical and Fire Protection Services.
Arguments AGAINST
None Filed
