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:

1. It is being improperly applied to Carmel Valley property owners who already pay for local fire protection, 
2. 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 
3. 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