DATE:
February 20, 2024
TO:
Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Tammy Pelayes, Assistant to the City Manager
SUBJECT:
Resolution in support of San Bernardino County Fire in opposition to Measure W (FP5).
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council and Board consider Resolution No. 2024-05 to oppose Proposed Measure W, a ballot measure listed on the Presidential Primary Election Ballot on March 5, 2024, for residents living in San Bernardino County Fire services areas where Service Zone FP-5 supports fire service.
BACKGROUND
At the January 16, 2024, City Council meeting, Fire Chief/Fire Warden Daniel Munsey made a presentation to the City Council to provide information on the upcoming ballot Measure W (FP5). In 2008 residents voted on an annual assessment for San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFD) to provide Fire, Rescue and EMS services. In 2018, the Service Zone FP-5 was expanded to include the geographic areas served by the SBCFPD but not yet in the FP-5 zone. The expansion resulted in the FP-5 special tax applying to properties in the existing and expanded geographical areas.
This special tax revenue provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services with professional firefighters, in addition to specialized services such as a fire prevention officer, bulldozers and hand crews. Service Zone FP-5 provides SBCFPD with revenue to maintain its current level of service. San Bernardino County Fire covers 19,278 square miles. In 2023, County Fire received approximately 196,000 calls for service, including medical emergencies, hazardous materials, rescues, aircraft, marine and many other “all-hazard emergencies.
Although FP-5 currently accounts for nearly 18% of County Fire’s annual operating budget, property owners in the City of Hesperia do not pay FP-5. In 2023, County Fire responded to 23,923 calls for service in the City of Hesperia. Medic Engine 304 responded to 4,325 calls in Hesperia.
At the January 16, 2024, City Council meeting, Mayor Bird and Council Member Gregg requested staff prepare a resolution supporting a NO vote on Measure W.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
FP-5 revenue must be spent in the zone in which it is collected and it supports operating County Fire stations outside of the City of Hesperia. Currently there is no replacement revenue available. If FP-5 is repealed, this may result in station closures. Although there is a responsibility to provide service, there may be expected increases in response times, an expected increase in insurance premiums due to fewer available resources and existing resources could be used to cover areas whose stations are closed.
Measure W gives voters the opportunity to retain or repeal Service Zone FP-5. The measure will read “Shall the measure to repeal the special tax for San Bernardino County Fire Protections District Services Zone FP-5 be adopted? A YES vote repeals the special tax for San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Zone FP-5. A NO vote does not repeal the special tax for San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Service Zone FP-5.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City related to this action. Hesperia property owners are not subject to payment of FP-5.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Resolution No. 2024-05
City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to the Mayor and City Council Members
Resolution No. 2024-005
February 20, 2024