HomeMy WebLinkAboutD-1 Staff Report - County Fire Parcel Tax ReportSCHEDULED ITEM
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TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
VIA: SERGIO GONZALEZ, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TALIKA M. JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF ADMINITRATIVE SERVICES
DATE: OCTOBER 7, 2019
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING POTENTIAL PARCEL TAX MEASURE BY THE
CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY
BACKGROUND:
The City of Azusa contracts with the Los Angeles County Fire District for medical and fire protection
services. The District has identified a need for additional funding and is contemplating placing a special
parcel tax measure on the ballot in 2020, which would require an opt in by the City by the end of this
month. The recommended actions are for Council to receive and file this report and to direct Staff to
report back for potential action.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends the City Council take the following actions:
1)Receive and File this report; and
2)Direct Staff to report back at appropriate time for potential Council action.
ANALYSIS:
In 1983, the City of Azusa decided to annex to the Los Angeles County Fire District to receive fire
protection and emergency medical services. In 1997, the agreement between the City of Azusa and
District was amended to reflect the City’s decision to opt in when the Fire District proposed and
successfully passed Proposition E. Revenues from the special parcel tax are credited back to the City to
offset costs related to fire and medical services provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Station 32. In
2016, Station 97 was added to serve the cities of Azusa and Glendora. This station was paid for by
Rosedale Land Partners as part of the Rosedale Planned Community and ongoing costs are covered by
special district assessments.
APPROVED
CITY COUNCIL
10/7/2019
County Fire Special Parcel Tax Measure
October 7, 2019
Page 2
The District is currently considering requesting voter approval of a special parcel tax in 2020. However,
if the County decides to place a special parcel tax measure in 2020, the City has the option to opt in and
give its permission to place the measure before Azusa voters. If voters approve the measure, it would
allow the City an opportunity to defray additional costs related to District staffing needs, facility and
equipment upgrades, and overhead charges. County Fire is still evaluating options. Still under
consideration is when to place the measure before the voters in 2020. A decision is expected by the end
of the month.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City of Azusa paid County Fire $4.6 million in Fiscal Year 2018-19 for medical and fire protection
services. That amount is expected to increase to $5.7 million in Fiscal Year 2019-20, nearly a $1.1
million or 23% increase. County Fire costs for Azusa have risen by 46% or $1.8 million in the past
seven years and it is expected that costs for fire services will continue to increase.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Talika M. Johnson Sergio Gonzalez
Director of Administrative Services City Manager