Fire Tax Notices
Later this month, many Mother Lode residents will receive notice that they must pay the state’s new fire fee.
The $150 fee must be paid by property owners within the state jurisdiction of CAL Fire. However, most homeowners in the region will receive a discount for living in an established fire protection district, bringing the tax down to $115. The State Responsibility area of CAL FIRE does not include incorporated cities like Sonora and Angels Camp, so those residents will not have to pay the tax.
Back in March, local Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen introduced legislation to repeal the tax, but it did not gain traction in Sacramento. Her office reports that the tax will raise $90 million for fiscal year 2011-12, which ended last month. In addition, new tax notices will go out in March to cover the current fiscal year. Her office notes that homeowners will be asked to pay the tax twice within a seven month period.
