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EDITOR:
I have just received my Advance Notice for the CA Fire Prevention Fee. Why should we have to pay a fee, when a lot of the people in the EID area don’t even have adequate protection? Approx 25 years ago there was a fire coming at my home, and there wasn’t enough water out of the hydrant to supply one fire engine. Why doesn’t EID have to pay a fee, fine or be forced in some way to upgrade the inferior protection system that we should have now? If this fee is to stand, then why doesn’t every property owner share in the cost? A house/building fire anywhere in this state can spread to where state help is needed. The fee is very unfair to those of in only some parts of the state that are reqired to pay it.
HARRY STICKLER
Placerville
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Vic SubiaSeptember 05, 2012 - 3:44 pm
Does anyone know exactly what "services" this tax or fee will fund? Weekly inspections of private property to ensure compliance with state fire regulations? Personal visits to tax/fee payers to advise them on wild land fire safe practices? I'm looking for a specific return for the money. Something that a tax/fee payer can measure. I have the feeling that most of the people who are charged this fee/tax will never see or hear from someone from CalFire. I've posted this before but I have not heard that anyone truly knows what they will get for the tax/fee payment.
NancySeptember 10, 2012 - 6:29 am
We'll get nothing for this fee. In my opinion, it is a tax on rural counties to pay for the union perks and other pork projects of Sacramento. We El Dorado County residents need to fight this so called fee or we will see other taxes disguised as fees next. There could be a water fee, an electric fee, a waste management fee, a fee for setting fees, and the list goes on. On top of that, if and when Sacramento has the majority vote to do so, Prop 13 will be gone faster than a Star Trek space ship at warp speed. Oh, and I just got my "pay up or else" Fire Fee tax bill in the mail.
Horsechuckle HillsSeptember 10, 2012 - 8:15 am
This sounds a lot like extortion!
Phillip VeerkampSeptember 10, 2012 - 8:17 am
Yep!
Vic SubiaSeptember 10, 2012 - 9:09 am
All of the above is why I brought up the question of what service(s) will be delivered to the property owners and in what form will it be delivered and on what schedule and to whom. The question of legality and constitutionality is being addressed now as is the question of reimbursement. But in the meantime, that is to say the time it will take to address legality and reimbursement which may take years, what services should the property owners expect? On the chance that the tax/fee is found to be legal and constitutional and/or is not repealed by the state legislature what MEASURABLE services are be delivered? The money is being collected now and will be in the hands of the state long before the legal issues are settled or the tax/fee is repealed. Without a clear and precise statement of services to each tax/fee payer there is a strong chance that the money will be not used eaually, misused or used for other purposes. How can taxpayers hold government accountable if we don't know what we are to expect for our money. The State of California is saying "Show me the money" and the taxpayer should be answering "Show me the service"!
Sue TaylorSeptember 10, 2012 - 10:35 pm
Reminder: You have 30 days to protest this illegal fire fee (which does not go to fighting fires) from the date on your bill. This site is from the Howard Jarvis website and has the best explanation and form for how to protest. You also need to fill out the forms in order to collect a refund if they win....http://firetaxprotest.org/?page_id=13
J PuffertSeptember 11, 2012 - 8:50 pm
1. Read the pamphlet, the fee covers brush clearance, fire break construction, evacuation planning, defensible space, and more. 2. Go to the Howard Jarvis website for great info to properly protest this TAX. 3. Are you kidding, EID already has high enough bills, you want them to take on brush clearing and defensible space inspection also ??? What does a water utility have to do with brush clearing? Water tanks are sized in accordance with the Uniform Fire Code and by the Fire Marshall, not by EID. Twenty five years ago ??? Get Real !!! 4. You need to pay the TAX now and then join the protest to hopefully get your money back. To not pay means you risk fines and liens. Please join in.
Pissed OffSeptember 11, 2012 - 9:30 pm
Just moved back after 32 years. This place is run by a bunch of nuts!! Really! Selling the house we just bought, and going back to Big Sky Country! Montana! Hoist yer leg over....see 'ya!
Phillip VeerkampSeptember 12, 2012 - 8:39 am
The ADDRESS of the enclosed envelope for payment of this fee/tax: SPECIAL TAXES REMITTANCE PROCESSING - STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZAATION - PO BOX 942879 - SACRAMENTO CA 94279-0001
Phillip VeerkampSeptember 12, 2012 - 8:44 am
SPECIAL TAXES REMITTANCE PROCESSING - STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZAATION - PO BOX 942879 - SACRAMENTO CA 94279-0001
Horsechuckle HillsSeptember 12, 2012 - 1:16 pm
Phillip, Yes, I noticed the same thing on their envelope. I circled it and made myself a copy for the suit. Even their OWN envelopes speak more truth than the extortionists. I already pay for fire protection up here.
GaryNovember 16, 2012 - 7:40 pm
A****** politicians all they want is more of our money, they all need to be arrested and thrown in jail for extortion. I'm sick of giving them my money, I live without the government and I don't want or need anything from them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!