Property owners in Felton, California, are voting on a proposed fire-service assessment that could add hundreds of dollars a year to many home tax bills.
The Felton Fire Protection District proposal would raise about $1.7 million annually to help maintain a local district with paid fire staff, according to Santa Cruz Local.
A typical single-family home would be assessed $697.43 a year. The charge could rise by up to 3% annually to account for inflation.
For homeowners in fire-prone mountain communities, the ballot asks a direct question about emergency response: how much local fire staffing should cost and how much of that cost should be carried through property bills.
Property Owners Have Until July 24
The assessment is being handled under California’s Proposition 218 process. Only property owners vote, and ballots are weighted by the amount each owner would pay.
Santa Cruz Local reported that ballots were mailed in late May and must be returned by July 24. They can be mailed, delivered to the Felton Fire district office, or submitted at the July 24 public hearing.
The assessment needs approval from more than 50% of the weighted ballots returned.
The Money Would Fund Paid Fire Staffing
Felton Fire currently collects about $1.1 million a year through property taxes. The proposed assessment would increase district revenue to about $2.8 million.
District leaders say the money would help pay for a full-time chief, three fire captains, six firefighters, training, and equipment. The district has long relied on volunteers, but leaders told Santa Cruz Local that the current model is not sustainable.
If It Fails, Fire Service Would Continue
Santa Cruz Local reported that 911 calls would still be answered if property owners reject the assessment. The district would not immediately shut down.
The longer-term picture is less certain. Felton Fire leaders said the district could run short of money for staffing by 2028. Possible next steps could include trying another funding measure or asking another agency to absorb the district.
Homeowners Should Check Their Own Assessment Amount
The proposed charge is not the same for every property. Amounts are based on factors such as property use, value, fire hazard, and distance from the station.
San Lorenzo Valley Post noted that a Proposition 218 benefit assessment is collected on the property tax bill and cannot be ignored once approved.
Homeowners who received a ballot should check the parcel amount, deadline, protest rules, and how the assessment would appear on future tax bills before treating the notice as routine mail.