Sonora, CA—The Tuolumne County Fire Department (TCFD) is seeking feedback from the public regarding implementing fire and first responder user fees and has put out a survey.
TCFD is considering the move to maintain essential fire protection and emergency response services without increasing taxes.
“Your feedback will help guide decisions on funding options,” noted the TCFD.
The survey will look at funding challenges, the departments’ changing roles over the years, the proposed fees, and when or if they should be executed.
“More than 80% of the calls TCFD responds to are for emergency medical treatment and rescue—not fires,” according to TCFD, adding, “These calls now routinely involve advanced services such as the use of automatic external defibrillators, administering life-saving medications, vehicle extrication, lift assists, downed power line hazards, and a wide range of other emergency responses critical to public safety.”
Fire officials also argue that while service demands have increased, funding has not kept pace with rising operational costs, including equipment, training, medical supplies, and staffing. Coupled with voters turning down multiple ballot measures for additional funding, property taxes are the major source of revenue, which they say is “no longer sufficient or sustainable.” To bridge the gap, some California communities have adopted “a blended funding model that includes user fees for emergency medical response.” TCFD provided this list of how the fees would help:
- Recover a portion of the actual cost of providing emergency medical services
- Maintain adequate staffing levels to ensure rapid response times
- Replace and maintain critical medical and rescue equipment.
- Create a more stable and sustainable long-term funding structure.
Some of the survey questions asked include the public’s priorities, what options there are to increase funding, like the user fees or increased tourism tax, and the cost and fee model preferences for residents and businesses regarding different scenarios, such as charging for a non-emergency call.
The survey will take about 5 to 10 minutes and will only be used for planning purposes. Click here for the survey.
