DATE:
July 16, 2024
02
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: ADDRESSING INEQUITIES IN FIRE PROTECTION IN COMMUNITIES SERVED BY UNDERFUNDED FIRE DISTRICTS (DISTRICTS: 1, 2 & 5)
Title
Body
OVERVIEW
The County of San Diego has made significant strides in promoting equitable fire service to ensure that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, receive exceptional fire protection and emergency response services. One of the key initiatives has been the allocation of resources and funding to underserved rural communities that have historically faced disparities in fire protection and emergency medical services.
The County of San Diego has prioritized collaboration among the various fire districts to ensure a high level of fire preparedness. By fostering a more inclusive and responsive fire service, the County of San Diego is working towards a future where all its residents can feel secure and protected from fire-related hazards and receive emergency medical services.
Fire districts currently receive a portion of property tax collected by the County of San Diego. Fire districts that serve the unincorporated communities rely on this tax allocation for their annual budget. Districts formed after Proposition 13 was passed in 1978 receive a lower percentage of their district's property tax revenue.
The impact of Proposition 13 on fire districts in San Diego County varies significantly depending on whether the districts were formed before or after its passage in 1978. Fire districts formed after Prop 13 face substantial financial challenges due to the constraints on property tax revenue growth. These newer districts are limited in their ability to generate sufficient funding through property taxes, as they have a significantly lower share of tax base and growth allocation negotiated at the time of formation. Consequently, they often struggle to secure adequate resources to meet their operational needs. To address these challenges...
Click here for full text