SLEEPY HOLLOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
MEASURE T
MEASURE T: Shall the measure continuing the special tax for paramedic
services for four years in the amount of $79.50 in the
first year and increasing $4 annually to a maximum of
$91.50 per taxable living unit, or per 1,500 square feet
of structure on a developed parcel in nonresidential use,
which will annually raise approximately $72,345.00
beginning in year one, and increasing the appropriations
limit by the amount of said tax be adopted?
YES NO
COUNTY COUNSEL’S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF MEASURE T
SLEEPY HOLLOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT SPECIAL TAX INCREASE
In 2014, the voters in the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection
District approved a special tax for the funding of paramedic
services through the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority. That
special tax authorized a maximum of $75 per residential
unit and $75 per 1,500 square feet of structure in nonresidential
use, plus a $.50 cent administrative fee. That
special tax is set to expire on June 30, 2019.
If this Measure is approved by a 2/3 vote of the voters,
the special tax for paramedic services will be authorized
to continue for four years and will increase to $79.50 in
the first year and increase $4 annually to a maximum of
$91.50 per taxable living unit or per 1,500 square feet of
structure on a developed parcel in non-residential use. The
appropriations limit will increase annually in the amount of
the said tax. If approved, this increase will take effect on
July 1, 2019, and continue until June 30, 2023. This special
tax will raise approximately $72,345 in the first year.
s/BRIAN WASHINGTON
Marin County Counsel
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE T
Since 1982 the voters of the Ross Valley have
continued to approve a special tax to help fund the fire
department-based paramedic service. You are being asked
to again support the tax with modest annual $4 incremental
increases for four years to a maximum rate of $91.50. The
Ross Valley Paramedic Authority is a partnership of eight
Ross Valley communities that have combined efforts to
deliver this exceptional level of care.
The initial Ross Valley Paramedic Authority tax
provided for a single ambulance. The expectation for
paramedic care from our citizens has dictated that service
levels continue to expand and evolve. Paramedic care is
now provided through a system that includes three state-of-
the-art fire department paramedic ambulance units and
trained paramedics aboard fire engines so that advanced
emergency care can arrive as quickly as possible.
The Ross Valley Paramedic Authority will continue the
responsible, transparent approach to managing the costs of
our emergency medical response service and adequately
provide for the long-term safety of our community.
A Yes Vote Will:
- Ensure the existing high-level paramedic
emergency medical response services
- Continue local control over these tax revenues
- Maintain rapid emergency response times
Your tax pays for a significant portion of the paramedic
program. Additional funds are collected from insurance
companies through third-party billing and from billing
of nonresident customers. In addition, your tax covers
continuing paramedic training, the cost of supplies and
equipment, and the replacement of ambulance units when
needed.
Our goal is to continue to provide state-of-the-art
paramedic care in the Ross Valley.
We need your vote to continue this vital service. Vote
YES on Measure T.
s/THOMAS J. FINN
Director/Secretary, Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District
Director, Ross Valley Paramedic Authority
ARGUMENT AGAINST MEASURE T
No argument against Measure T was filed.
FULL TEXT OF MEASURE T
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-2
RESOLUTION OF THE SLEEPY HOLLOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT PROPOSING AN INCREASE IN THE PARAMEDIC SERVICE TAX, ESTABLISHING A DATE FOR ELECTION, ADOPTING INTENDED BALLOT LANGUAGE, REQUESTING THE CONSOLIDATION OF SAID ELECTION, REQUESTING ELECTION SERVICES OF THE CLERK, AND DIRECTING THAT REBUTTAL ARGUMENTS MAY BE RECEIVED.
WHEREAS, on November 4, 2014, the electors of the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District approved a special tax for the funding of paramedic services through the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority; and
WHEREAS, the maximum allowable tax was established at $75.00 per residential unit plus a $0.50 County administrative fee, and $75.00 per 1,500 square feet of structure in non-residential use, plus a $0.50 County administrative fee; and
WHEREAS, the Ross Valley Paramedic Tax has been annually levied and each four years the tax rate reset and approved by election and scheduled to expire June 30, 2019;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District hereby calls for an election to be held on November 6, 2018, at which election the issue to be presented to the voters of the District shall be:
Shall the measure continuing the special tax for paramedic services for four years in the amount of $79.50 in the first year and increasing $4 annually to a maximum of of $91.50 per taxable living unit, or per 1,500 square feet of structure on a developed parcel in nonresidential use, which will annually raise approximately $72,345.00 beginning in year one, and increasing the appropriations limit by the amount of said tax be adopted?
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District hereby requests that said election shall be consolidated with the general election to be held on said date and requests the Registrar of Voters to provide all necessary election services and to canvas the result of said election.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that rebuttals shall be received to ballot arguments made by the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District on behalf of said measure.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors held this 15th day of June 2018 by the following vote:
AYES: Directors RICHARD SHORTALL, THOMAS FINN, and SHARON ADAMS
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
s/RICHARD C. SHORTALL, JR
Director/President
ATTEST:
s/THOMAS J. FINN
Director/Secretary