Pass: 68 / 71.58% Yes votes ...... 27 / 28.42% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Impartial Analysis

This is a ballot measure to determine if the voters in the Fruitland Ridge area wish to confirm or reject the formation of the Fruitland Ridge Fire Protection District (FRFPD) and special tax.

This is the second attempt by area residents to form a fire protection district and establish a long-term revenue source to support the continued operation of the Fruitland Volunteer Fire Company (VFC). The proposal to form the FRFPD was filed by petition signed by 56 of the 195 registered voters within the proposed district boundaries. The FRFPD boundaries would be the same as the Fruitland VFC response area, comprising approximately 12,671 acres. The proposal was approved by the Humboldt Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) on May 20, 2015, contingent on voter approval of a special tax. A three member board of directors would also be elected on the same ballot.

The FRFPD would maintain the fire protection services currently provided by the Fruitland VFC, which consists of fire suppression, rescue, and basic life support emergency medical services. The Fruitland VFC, a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, would retain ownership of the land and fire station according to their current property transfer documents. No further acquisitions, repairs, or upgrades of equipment or facilities are associated with the district formation. Residents within the district boundaries would become eligible to vote in FRFPD elections and run for office on the FRFPD governing board.

If the measure is approved, a special tax would be apportioned to all parcels within the district at the rate of $60.00 per parcel. Revenue collected from the special tax would be used to support the continued delivery of fire protection services and tax proceeds shall be placed into a special account created for that purpose. The FRFPD would be required to file an annual report regarding the use of the tax proceeds in accordance with California Government Code Section
50075.3.

The District Board may, through an open public process, increase the special tax annually after a public hearing by an amount equal to or less than the cost of living as determined by the Consumer Price Index, up to a maximum of five percent. In addition, the FRFPD would establish a Hardship Exemption allowing landowners who fall within the Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines for "very low" or "poverty level" income to apply for a partial or complete exemption from the tax.

In summary, a "yes" vote on this measure is a vote in favor of the formation of the FRFPD and special tax. A "no" vote on this measure is a vote against the formation of the FRFPD and special tax. The formation of the FRFPD and approval of the special tax will only become effective if approved by two-thirds of those voting.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure B. If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the elections official's office at (707) 445-7678 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you