SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
STAFF REPORT
SPECIAL AGENDA ITEM #5
MEETING DATE: May 29, 2024
PREPARED FOR: Mayor and Town Council
PREPARED BY: Michael Vivrette, Finance Director
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Confirming and Levying the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority (RVPA) Tax for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution confirming and levying a tax of $97.50 per residential unit and per 1,500 square feet of floor area of non-residential uses for Ross Valley Paramedic Authority services for fiscal year 2024- 2025.
BACKGROUND
The RVPA is an 8-member joint powers authority established in 1982 to deliver fire department paramedic services across the Ross Valley region. The primary funding mechanism for the RVPA is a property tax levied on each taxable residential unit and per every 1,500 square feet of non-residential uses. This tax structure has been in place since the RVPA's inception. The member communities include Corte Madera, Larkspur, Kentfield, Ross, San Anselmo, Sleepy Hollow, Fairfax, and the unincorporated areas (CSA 27) of the Ross Valley area.
In November 2022, voters approved a continuation of the existing tax with a structured annual increase of $3.00. The tax began at $94.50 for the fiscal year 2023-2024 and will increase annually to a maximum of $103.50 by the fiscal year 2026-2027.
DISCUSSION
As per the voter-approved rate structure and to support ongoing local paramedic and emergency services, the Town is required to annually confirm (levy) this tax by resolution. This year, the set tax rate is $97.50 per residential unit and per 1,500 square feet of floor area of non-residential uses, reflecting the planned $3.00 increase from the previous year.
Approving this resolution will ensure the continued funding of essential paramedic services provided by the RVPA, directly benefiting the communities within the Ross Valley area.
FISCAL IMPACT
None beyond the annual collection of the RVPA tax as approved by voters, which is directly allocated to paramedic services.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution for the RVPA Tax Levy for FY 2024-2025
RESOLUTION 24-
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF TOWN OF FAIRFAX
IN SUPPORT OF THE ROSS VALLEY PARAMEDIC TAX RATE FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
WHEREAS, the voters of the Town of Fairfax and the Ross Valley have approved the Paramedic Tax extensions and increases since its inception in 1982; and WHEREAS, prior to July 1st, the Board of Directors of the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority will approve and adopt a status quo operating budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the Fairfax Town Council supports the continuation of the existing tax at the new rate structure approved by the voters on November 8, 2022 for paramedic services for an additional four years beginning at $94.50 in the first year and raising the tax $3 annually to a maximum amount of $103.50 per taxable living unit in the fourth year, or $94.50 per 1,500 square feet of structure developed parcel in non-residential use in the first year and raising the tax $3 annually to a maximum of $103.50 in the fourth year.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fairfax Town Council does hereby confirm and levy a tax of $97.50 per taxable living unit or per 1,500 square feet of structure developed parcel in non-residential use for Ross Valley Paramedic Authority services during the fiscal year 2024-25.
The foregoing Resolution was duly passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax held in said Town on the 5th day of June 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
_________________________________ ______________________________ Barbara Coler, Mayor Christine Foster, Deputy Town Clerk