Fire District 10 is placing Proposition 1 on this November’s Ballot to reauthorize the Benefit Charge for funding fire protection and emergency medical services. The Benefit Charge lowers the District property tax rate from $1.50 to a maximum of $1.00 per thousand of assessed value. In your Fire Commissioners’ opinion, a lower property tax rate in conjunction with the Benefit Charge, based upon building size and use, is a more equitable and stable method of funding emergency services.
The District’s first use of the Benefit Charge was in 2004, when District voters approved its implementation by more than 60%. The Benefit Charge must be reauthorized every six years.
The Benefit Charge amount is established by November 30th of the year prior to collection. Prior to establishing the Benefit Charge, the Board of Commissioners holds a public hearing. The total amount of Benefit Charges would not exceed 60% of the District’s operating budget for the year.
After establishing the Benefit Charge, the District will notify each property owner of the amount to be charged. The property owners would then have an opportunity to appeal the Benefit Charge to the Board to reduce the amount of the charge, and the Board would have the authority to impose a Benefit Charge that, in their opinion, is true, fair and just. The law allows for partial exemptions for senior citizens and buildings with fire sprinkler systems.
For questions about this measure, contact: Lee Soptich, Fire Chief, 425-313-3201, lsoptich@esf-r.org
