The G16 Coalition supports the protest over the annual $150 Fire Prevention Fee/Tax, signed into law on July 7, 2011, for the following reasons:
- It is being improperly applied to Carmel Valley property owners who already pay for local fire protection,
- The funds generated go directly into the general fund and therefore could be used by the cash-strapped State for purposes other than fire protection, and
- Although called a fee, it is really a tax and therefore is illegal.
NOTE: More information and Petition for Redetermination forms at: www.firetaxprotest.org
It is important that people pay the fee to avoid interest and a possible lien -- but they need to file a protest too, so they are eligible for the potential refund. Residents that already pay a tax to a local fire department receive a $35 discount. Another website to get Petition for Redetermination form. http://www.firepreventionfee.com/PetitionForm_081012.pdf