Pass: 2,243 / 87.3% Yes votes ...... 327 / 12.7% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Those services are currently provided by the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County under an agreement with the City. Costs incurred by the City under that agreement are currently paid for by a special tax approved by the voters in 2001, which expires June 30, 2007. The proposed tax begins upon expiration of the existing tax (fiscal year 2007-2008) and lasts for ten years, through fiscal year 2016-2017. Under the present law, the tax could then be renewed or extended only by another two-thirds vote of the people.

The methodology of the proposed tax is substantially similar to the existing tax. In 2007-2008, the tax will be determined by adding $250.41 per lot to $0.143422 for each square foot of building improvements located on the property. In each fiscal year from fiscal year 2008-2009 through 2011-2012, the tax may be increased up to 4.2%, and in each fiscal year from fiscal year 2012-2013 through 2016-2017, the tax may be increased up to 6.2%. In no event, however, may an increase exceed the increase in the City's cost under the agreement with the Fire District, if that agreement is still in effect.

The tax will be imposed on each parcel of property within the City, other than those owned by governmental agencies or otherwise exempt from the payment of property taxes. The procedures for its collection are the same as for other property taxes, including making an unpaid tax a lien on the property. Revenue goes into a special account and annual reports as to the amounts collected and spent are required. If the Fire District agreement terminates or expires, the City may use the tax revenue to provide for an equivalent level of fire and paramedic services through other means. The City Council is given certain authority to change the procedures relevant to collection of the tax, but not the amount or uses for the revenue. The measure also provides for an adjustment in the "appropriations limit" of the City if necessary to accommodate this income.

When the tax expires, if there is unexpended revenue from it, that money may be used to lower the next year's tax (if any) or be returned to the taxpayers on the same pro rata basis as originally levied.

City of Palos Verdes Estates

City Profile

Fire and paramedic services are now paid for with a special tax that was approved by 87% of the City's voters in 2001.

Authorization for this tax expires June 30, 2007. The PVE City Council appointed a Special Citizens' Committee to explore financing options. The Committee unanimously recommended continuation of the special tax, and the City Council approved it unanimously. It now needs your approval.

This is a continuation of the same method of funding fi re and paramedic services that has been in place since 1991. Voting "YES" raises only the amount of money needed to cover the cost of our fire and paramedic services. Not voting on this measure, if you cast a ballot, is the same as a "no" vote and will threaten these essential services in PVE and could signifi cantly increase your home insurance costs.

This special tax:

• Will only be used for fire and paramedic services.
• Will appear on your property tax bill and is tax deductible.
• Includes a basic charge for all parcels, including vacant lots, plus a charge for each square foot of building improvement.
• Will cost about $623 for a median-size home of 2,595 square feet.
• Caps the maximum allowable annual increase at 4.2% in the first five years to cover increases in contract costs with L.A. County Fire Department. The maximum yearly increase in the second five years cannot exceed
  6.2%. Both of these caps are lower than the 6.5% cap that has been in place since 1991.
• Has a ten-year sunset clause and expires in 2017.

Ronald L. Buss, Chair
David R. Cox
James Flanigan
Fred W. Mackenbach
Ruth E. Shaffer

Members of the Special Citizens' Committee to Examine Fire and Paramedic Financing

(No arguments against Measure PVE-A were submitted)