Hold on to your wallets.

The fee increase recommended by County Fire on the January 26, 2010 agenda item 15, would, if accepted by the Board of Supervisors and ultimately approved by the electorate, increase fire taxes and fees by “$234 dollars for the majority of parcels within CSA 48 (parcels with a residence)”. The total additional revenue needed to fund County Fire is claimed to be (approximately) $ 1,840,000. 

A strikingly similar fee increase was proposed by County Fire in 2007, accepted by the Board of Supervisors, and ultimately REJECTED by the electorate. In 2007, the total additional revenue needed to fund County Fire was claimed to be (approximately)  $ 809,200. 

The question MUST be asked in earnest:  

How could $ 809,200 have beeen the correct and proper level of increase in funding needed in 2007, while, just over two years later, it is claimed  that fee increase must rise by AN ADDITIONAL  million dollars per year, to a total of a whopping $ 1,840,000?  

Was the 2007 amount grossly underestimated? Is the 2010 amount grossly overinflated? 

Will the Board of Supervisors accept the recommendation and begin the process for taking the proposed increase to the voters? 

Or will the recommendation be returned to County Fire “Staff” with directions to return when details and support are provided? 

Stay tuned for updates.   

Friends of Bonny Doon Fire supports the formation of an Independent Bonny Doon Fire District.