575 Administration Drive - Room 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403-2888
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(707) 565-2431
(707) 565-3778
M. Christina Rivera
County Executive
Jennifer Solito
Assistant County Administrator
Peter Bruland
Deputy County Administrator
Barbara Lee
Deputy County Administrator
Christel Querijero
Deputy County Administrator
Paul Gullixson
Communications Manager
December 23, 2024
Dear Sonoma County Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association,
Sonoma County and the Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association (SCFCA) put in place the structure for Measure H: Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance, passed in March 2024. The measure language is attached for your reference.
The purpose of this communication is to request the Sonoma County Mayors' and Councilmembers' Association’s assistance in providing a list of interested and committed individuals to serve on the Measure H: Improved and Enhanced Local Fire Protection, Paramedic Services and Disaster Response Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance Oversight Committee.
The purpose of this committee is to provide transparency and ensure fiscal accountability. The committee will review the receipt and expenditures of the revenue from the transactions and use tax, including the annual report of each Agency’s use of the tax. The eleven committee members will be appointed by the Board of Supervisors and comprised of the following:
• The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors shall appoint six Committee members to sit on the Oversight Committee.
o Two of the Committee members will be selected from a list of names submitted by the Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association of Sonoma County. o Two of the Committee members will be selected from a list of names submitted by the labor organizations responsible for collective bargaining on behalf of active duty firefighters employed by local agencies which receive funding through this Ordinance.
• The Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association will appoint three Committee members.
One will be selected from a list of names nominated from the general public. • The Sonoma County Fire Districts Association will appoint two Committee members.
One will be selected from a list of names submitted by the Sonoma County Taxpayers Association.
To apply you must be an independent County resident; however, active fire chiefs, active fire directors, County employees, or spouses to any such individuals may not serve on the committee. Committee members will serve a three-year term.
About Measure H
Measure H funding will be used to provide for more efficient, effective, and sustainable fire response, paramedic services, and wildfire prevention and response capabilities that protect the health and safety of Sonoma County residents, business owners, and visitors. Funds will be used to do the following:
• Improve emergency response times
• Increase wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response • Expand paramedic services
• Staff up red flag and winter storm
• Provide staffing to rural and underserved communities • Support an improved local 911 dispatch center
• Enhance vegetation management and fuels reduction
• Improve infrastructure
• Provide collaborative technology platforms
The Measure H first year annual sales tax revenue estimate is $62M.
Thank you for your support in identifying members to serve on the Measure H Oversight Committee.
Sincerely,
M. Christina Rivera
County Executive