By Jondi Gumz
Some readers may find it confusing to get a ballot with two tax measures to raise money for fire protection.
Measure R is a bond measure from the Central Fire District (which includes Aptos, La Selva Beach, Soquel, Capitola and Live Oak).
Measure Q is a parcel tax from the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.
Central Fire District wants taxpayers’ permission to borrow $221 million for:
- Fire Station improvement projects, which may include constructing, modernizing, and /or improving outdated fire stations in Soquel, Capitola, and La Selva Beach;
- Projects to support fire district operations, such as building a new firefighter training facility; improving staff offices, training rooms, and governance facilities, and fire fleet services; and acquiring or replacing fire apparatus and capital equipment;
- Acquiring land for construction or relocation of fire stations, and training and support services.
For any project involving building modernization or renovation, the District shall be authorized to proceed with replacement construction if the Board of Directors determines that replacement construction is economically more practical considering the building’s age, condition and other factors.
The final cost of each project will be determined as plans are finalized, construction bids are awarded, and projects may be delayed or may not be completed.
The District estimates the average annual tax rate at $29 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year — assessed value, not what your home is worth if you put it on the market.
Because the tax is based on assessed value, people who bought homes in the last 5 years will pay more than people who bought 30 years ago.
Rates may vary, and the highest tax rate is estimates at $49 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year.
If all bonds are issued, taxes would be collected through 2064, and the total debt to be repaid, including principal and interest, would be $470 million.
Two-thirds approval — 66.67% — is needed for passage.
However, if Proposition 5 is approved statewide, then only 55% approval would be needed to pass bonds for housing assistance and public infrastructure.
Central leaders say firefighters and paramedics operate out of outdated stations that puts their lives at risk while on call and slows down response times.
They say stations are deteriorating, with mold and leaky roofs. They don’t meet earthquake standards and flood during heavy rain.
More than 70% of all 911 calls to Central Fire are medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, and car accidents.
Seconds matter in a life-threatening situation.
Proponents say Measure R will give firefighters the lifesaving resources they need to help in an emergency.
Supporters include: Rolf Lingens, president, Professional Firefighters of Santa Cruz County, Lori Long, a nurse, business owner Terence Campion, environmental advocate Dan Haifley, and Toby Godard, retired city water manager.
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Opponents
Michael Lelieur and Edwin Tonkin, who filed the argument again Measure R, agree that firefighter emergency services are vital but they say taxpayers can’t afford another tax.
“We would all like shiny and new!” they wrote. “But the reality is, sometimes we can’t afford it!”
Residents of Santa Cruz County are struggling to make ends meet, they say. Food prices remain 21% higher than 3 years ago.
Housing, child care, gasoline, and energy costs are at an all-time high as well as health care, auto and fire insurance.
They point out Measure R does not exempt seniors nor the disabled. They claim Central Fire is not abiding by AB 195 which requires that the duration of the bond be listed on the ballot question.
This information is listed as estimates “not Binding on the District.”
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For more information: https://votescount.santacruzcountyca.gov/Portals/16/nov24/Measure%20R.pdf