Parcel Tax Increase
We have received and counted the opinion survey submissions for a possible parcel tax increase. See the results below.
Thank you for your submissions!
PARCEL TAX INCREASE SURVEY RESULTS
The results of the opinion survey were counted at the Special Board Meeting of February 20th, 2024 and shared during the Board Meeting of February 26th, 2024. The results are as follows:
YES votes, with address: 176
YES votes, with no address: 63
NO votes, with address: 37
NO votes, with no address: 40
NEED MORE INFO votes, with address: 24
NEED MORE INFO votes, with no address: 16
YES votes total: 239 votes, 67.13%
NO votes total: 77 votes, 21.63%
NEED MORE INFO votes total: 40 votes, 11.24%
Total surveys sent: 1098
Total surveys received: 356
Undeliverable surveys: 33
Participation percent: 32.42%
Proposed Lockwood Parcel Tax Increase FAQs
Q. Why is the Lockwood Fire Protection District proposing a parcel tax increase?
A. The current parcel tax of $70 for improved property and $35 for unimproved property has not been increased in 20 years. The cost to maintain buildings and vehicles, and provide training and protective equipment to the volunteer firefighters has increased significantly over the years, and now exceeds the revenue LFPD receives annually from the community it serves. In addition, LFPD has not been able to set aside funds to replace equipment that will not be serviceable in the future. In order to continue to operate independently, revenue must increase or Lockwood eventually will not be able to sustain operations and respond to calls.
Q. Why did I receive a survey about increasing the parcel tax?
A. As a property owner in LFPD's district, you received the survey to
have an opportunity to express your willingness to increase your
parcel tax so that LFPD can remain an independent fire district.
Q. The survey shows a range of $150 to $200 for a proposed parcel tax increase. Where did those numbers come from and why is it a range?
A. A review of expenditures over the past few years was conducted, and then a forecast was made using those numbers as a starting point. Should the community express a willingness to support a parcel tax increase, a more in-depth analysis would be conducted to determine a final proposed number. The next step would be to place the proposed increase on the ballot for District residents to vote on.
The ballot measure would require a two-thirds vote to pass.
Q. Are there alternatives to increasing the parcel tax?
A. Yes, on a parallel track the Lockwood Board is also working with LAFCO to determine the feasibility of merging with Amador Fire Protection District. In that scenario, AFPD would assume the assets and liabilities of Lockwood and take over providing fire service. The cost to residents is unknown at this time, but would be based on the AFPD assessment formula.
According to AFPD, eighty percent of residents currently pay less than $100 per year for fire service under that formula. As part of the LAFCO process, there will one or more public hearings for the community to get more information, ask questions and make suggestions about what conditions they would like to see in that scenario.
Q. What wording has been put into the measure to keep the county from withdrawing current funds once you get the new increase approved?
A. Currently, no measure has been drafted to put on a ballot for a vote by the community. If Lockwood remains independent, the County would not have authority to take funds from LFPD, as LFPD would remain a Special District. The other option, merging with AFPD, will involve public hearings and an agreement could require that both LFPD stations would remain open.
Q. What has been submitted to LAFCO on behalf of Lockwood Fire Protection District?
A. At the November 27, 2023 Board meeting, Board members, by 4 to 1 majority, voted to submit a the following Resoultion to LAFCO:
RESOLUTION NO. LFPD10-01-23
RESOLUTION OF APPLICATION BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LOCKWOOD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT REQUESTING THAT THE AMADOR LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION INITIATE PROCEEDINGS FOR A CHANGE OF ORGANIZATION TO THE AMADOR FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT AND DISSOLUTION OF THE LOCKWOOD FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Lockwood Fire Protection District (Lockwood) proposes, and requests that the Amador Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) initiate proceedings pursuant to Part 3 of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, California Government Code Section 56650 et seq., to divest Lockwood of its fire protection services and dissolve the district, to extend fire protection services from the Amador Fire Protection District (AFPD) to the existing jurisdiction of Lockwood, a map of which is shown on Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and to modify the jurisdictional boundaries of AFPD to include the jurisdictional boundaries of Lockwood, as that district is generally described on Exhibit A.
WHEREAS, the proposal area consists of a total area of 22 square miles, the location and boundaries of which are depicted in Exhibit A.
WHEREAS, the reason for the proposal is:
In order to stabilize and ensure the economic ability of the district providing fire protection and associated services to the jurisdictional area of Lockwood, is it necessary that those services be provided by AFPD rather than Lockwood. Therefore it is necessary to extend fire protection and associated services from AFPD to the jurisdiction of Lockwood, to divest Lockwood of its fire protection and associated services, and to dissolve Lockwood.
WHEREAS, the proposal is consistent with all relevant spheres of influence; and
WHEREAS, the proposal is subject to the following terms and conditions:
The proposal is contingent on the ability, both physically and economically, of AFPD to adequately extend fire protection and associated services to the jurisdictional area of Lockwood, and to do so without adversely affecting the ability of AFPD to provide those services to the remainder of its jurisdiction.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of the Lockwood Fire Protection District hereby proposes and requests that LAFCO initiate proceedings pursuant to Part 3 of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000, California Government Code Section 56650 et seq.
Upon motion of _____________________, seconded by ________________, and duly carried, the Board of Directors of the District hereby approves and adopts this resolution on this 23rd day of October 2023.