Sonora, CA\u2014The Tuolumne County Fire Department (TCFD) is seeking feedback from the public regarding implementing fire and first responder user fees and has put out a survey.<\/p>\n
TCFD is considering the move to maintain essential fire protection and emergency response services without increasing taxes.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour feedback will help guide decisions on funding options,\u201d noted the TCFD.<\/p>\n
The survey will look at funding challenges, the departments\u2019 changing roles over the years, the proposed fees, and when or if they should be executed.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than 80% of the calls TCFD responds to are for emergency medical treatment and rescue\u2014not fires,\u201d according to TCFD, adding, \u201cThese calls now routinely involve advanced services such as the use of automatic external defibrillators, administering life-saving medications, vehicle extrication, lift assists, downed power line hazards, and a wide range of other emergency responses critical to public safety.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fire officials also argue that while service demands have increased, funding has not kept pace with rising operational costs, including equipment, training, medical supplies, and staffing. Coupled with voters turning down multiple ballot measures for additional funding, property taxes are the major source of revenue, which they say is \u201cno longer sufficient or sustainable.\u201d To bridge the gap, some California communities have adopted \u201ca blended funding model that includes user fees for emergency medical response.\u201d TCFD provided this list of how the fees would help:<\/p>\n
Recover a portion of the actual cost of providing emergency medical services
\nMaintain adequate staffing levels to ensure rapid response times
\nReplace and maintain critical medical and rescue equipment.
\nCreate a more stable and sustainable long-term funding structure.<\/p>\n
Some of the survey questions asked include the public\u2019s priorities, what options there are to increase funding, like the user fees or increased tourism tax, and the cost and fee model preferences for residents and businesses regarding different scenarios, such as charging for a non-emergency call.<\/p>\n