As Californians, there are a few natural phenomena we know we have to prepare for, and at the top of that list are earthquakes and wildfires.
A measure on the Nov. 5 ballot asks Los Angeles County taxpayers to decide whether they are willing to pay a bit more to prepare for and fight the latter. It’s Measure E, and if passed it would require county residents to pay more on parcel taxes for some improvements on their property.
Understanding Measure E
The measure calls for a 6-cent-per-square-foot increase on certain property projects and improvements. The additional revenue would be used to help provide fire and paramedic emergency services, training and new equipment. To be approved, the measure needs to pass by a simple majority. The Measure E parcel tax is expected to bring in $152 million a year by levying the 6-cents-per-square-foot on certain parcel improvements, such as adding onto a home. (A parcel tax is a type of property tax that is assessed based on characteristics of a unit of property, not the total value of the property.)
Official ballot title on the November ballot: Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County Emergency Response and Infrastructure Ordinance.
You are being asked: Shall an ordinance ensuring local firefighter/paramedic emergency response involving wildfires, house fires, heart attacks, strokes, and car accidents; to hire/train firefighters/paramedics, upgrade/replace aging firefighter safety equipment, fire engines, helicopters, facilities, life-saving rescue tools, and 911 communications technology; by levying 6 cents per square foot on certain parcel improvements, providing $152 million annually, limited to 2% annual adjustment, until ended by voters, exempting low-income seniors, with independent citizens oversight, be adopted?
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
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