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Politics & Government

Mayor Nihart's FAQ About the Proposed Fire Assessment Tax

What is it and why does Pacifica need it?

Mayor Mary Ann Nihart wrote this Q&A to clarify some of the burning questions about the new proposed which would impact property owners in Pacifica. 

Q.  What is the Fire Suppression Assessment?

A.  The City of Pacifica’s Fire Suppression Assessment will provide stable, local funding to support the Fire Department for seven years. All money provided by the assessment will only be used to support fire protection in the City of Pacifica and cannot be taken by the state.

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Funds from the assessment would be used to address the demand on the Fire Department, retain firefighters, purchase new equipment necessary to respond to fires, and to continue to protect citizens from the threat of fire.

Q.  Why is a Fire Suppression Assessment proposed?

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A.  A Fire Suppression Assessment was passed in 2004 and expired in 2009. In addition, the state has seized nearly $28 million dollars of City revenue over the last two decades. The assessment will provide a stable, local source of funding for the Fire Department. A vote in support of the Fire Suppression Assessment will help the City to prevent cuts that could impact the effectiveness of the Fire Department’s services.

Q.  How will Pacifica property owners specially benefit from the Fire Suppression Assessment?

A.  The assessment will:

  • Maintain quick response times to fire incidents resulting in reduced property damage;
  • Reduce risk of injury to occupants;
  • Limit the spread of fire to neighboring properties; and
  • Reduce business interruption resulting from fire.

Q.  How much will the Fire Suppression Assessment cost?

A.  A maximum annual assessment would total $73.17 for single-family homeowners, or about $6.10 per month. This rate is lower than the previous assessment levied against single-family residences that expired in 2009. The assessment would expire in seven years. 

Q.  How has the City of Pacifica worked to balance the budget?

A.   In order to continue providing efficient fire protection and maintain quick response times for our residents, we have reduced expenditures through salary reductions and made cuts to benefits and pensions. Through negotiations, Pacifica fire and police have already taken $1.6 million in reduced compensation as part of the goals of the City’s five-year financial plan.  The City Council voted to begin the balloting process for the Fire Assessment to prevent further staff reductions and to protect efficient and effective fire protection for local residents. 

Q.  What has Pacifica and the Fire Department done to reduce spending?

A.   In order to continue providing efficient fire protection and maintain quick response times for our residents, we have reduced expenditures through salary reductions and made cuts to benefits and pensions. The City Council voted to begin the balloting process for the Fire Assessment to prevent further staff reductions and to protect efficient and effective fire protection for local residents.

Q.  How can I be sure that funds will be spent as promised?

A.  All funds from the assessment can only be used for fire protection within the boundaries of the City of Pacifica to benefit local property owners.  Funds are deposited into an account specifically set up for the assessment and no funds could be taken by the state. The assessment would expire in seven years.

An independent, third party auditor would audit the assessment annually and a Citizen’s Oversight Committee would review all expenditures that are funded by the proposed assessment. A public, annual report would confirm that funds are only used to retain firefighters, purchase necessary fire protection equipment and sustain quick and efficient services to fires within the city’s boundaries. 

 Q.  Who can cast a ballot?

A.  Before the City Council can approve and collect the assessment, it must first receive approval of Pacifica’s property owners. All property owners in the City of Pacifica will receive a Notice and Ballot by mail in late February. Completed ballots must be received in the City Clerk’s Office by April 11, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. They can also be returned at the Public Hearing, scheduled for April 11, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Council Chambers located at 2212 Beach Boulevard, Pacifica CA 94044 up until the close of the public input portion of the public hearing. 

Q.  When and how are the ballots counted?

A.  Ballots will be counted on Monday, April 11 at the City Council Chambers, located at 2212 Beach Boulevard in Pacifica. The City Council will hold a Public Hearing regarding the proposed assessment at 7:00pm. The ballots will be tabulated after the public hearing, pursuant to the City’s adopted “Procedures for the Completion, Return and Tabulation of Ballots,” which can be reviewed at www.cityofpacifica.org.

If weighted ballots submitted in favor of the assessment exceed weighted ballots submitted in opposition of the assessment, then the City Council may implement the proposed assessment. 

Q:  If I have lost or damaged my ballot, how can I obtain another?

A.  Contact the general number for City Hall at 738-7300, provide your name, address and parcel number and staff members will be able to tell you how to receive a new ballot.

Q.  How do I get more information?

A.  The City will conduct a public workshop on Wednesday, March 9 at 7:00pm at the City Council Chamber located at 2212 Beach Boulevard in Pacifica.  All interested property owners are invited to join the workshop to learn more about the assessment and to ask questions. You can also visit the City’s website at www.cityofpacifica.org for more information.

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