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MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Carol J. Huchingson, County Administrative Officer
DATE: April 4, 2017
SUBJECT: Consideration of Letter of Support for AB 288 (Obernolte) to Extend the Period to Pay or Protest the State Fire Prevention Fee and Authorize the Chair to sign.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
We have been approached by staff of Assemblyman Jay Obernolte’s asking your Board to support Assembly Bill 288, which would extend the period to pay or protest the State’s Fire Prevention Fee from 30 days from the date of assessment to 60 days. This is similar to last year’s AB 1642 which was also introduced by Assemblyman Obernolte.
Created by the Legislature and Governor as part of the 2011 Budget, the Fire Prevention Fee charges property owners $152.33 for each habitable structure located in a State Responsibility Area (SRA), with a $35 reduction if they live within the boundaries of a local fire protection district. About 700,000 rural Californians receive a yearly Fire Prevention Fee bill, due 30 days from the date on the notice.
Due to the rural nature of those being billed, many individuals do not receive their bills in a timely manner. Additionally, many of these individuals are on fixed incomes, making it nearly impossible for them to pay their Fire Prevention Fee by the 30-day deadline.
Increasing the payment due date of the Fire Prevention Fee from 30 to 60 days will ensure greater compliance with the law by giving all owners of habitable structures in an SRA more time to receive their bills. AB 288 will also give those taxpayers on fixed incomes more time to adjust their budgets.
Recommended Action
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff recommends your Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the letter supporting AB 288.