Fire Tax
The fire department did not have a dedicated budget until 1985. With the adoption of the fire benefit assessment, the fire department had a predictable funding source. The benefit assessment was initially set at $33.85 per unit. A unit is one dwelling unit. This could be a single family home, half of a duplex or one apartment in a complex. In commercial buildings, each 3000 sq. ft or portion thereof is treated as one unit. Although this amount was marginally adequate for the day to day needs of the department, it did not allow for reserves to purchase increasingly costly equipment, contingency funds for emergencies, adequate training facilities, additional personnel to carry on the normal operations of a fire department attempting to keep pace with the growth of the District or additions to existing facilities. Over the years, the benefit assessment has been increased to the present level of $80.00 per unit. Efforts are under way with our consultants regarding methods of generating additional capital to help meet these needs. For more information please visit:www.29palmswater.org