Measure X

Alameda County Fire Department Fire Safety Bond

ALL ALAMEDA COUNTY—Would authorize the Alameda County Fire Department to issue $90 million in general obligation bonds to repair/replace outdated stations, thereby maintaining services in unincorporated communities (including medical emergency lifesaving services, fast 911 response, wildfire protection and disaster response), with oversights and audits, and no funds for salaries, benefits, or pensions. Measure X requires at least ⅔ of voters approving to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Would raise an average of $5.2 million annually for approximately 31 years, and the County’s best estimate of the total cost of the bond (including principal and interest) that would be required to be repaid if all of the bonds are issued and sold is $160.4 million. The best estimate of the annual average tax rate required to be levied to fund the bonds is $15.70 per $100,000 of assessed valuation of all property to be taxed in 2021/2022.

Next Alameda County Measure: Measure Y

See Endorsements for Measure X

Pro:

Proponents of Measure X argue that the measure ensures responses for wildfires, emergency medical services, and disasters are enhanced with state-of-the-art facilities strategically located to serve Alameda County communities; upgrades fire stations built in the 1950’s that do not provide the necessary functions for emergency response and community preparedness; ensures the community has the needed public facilities for all types of emergencies, including the impacts of COVID-19; and that every dime is required to be spent only for fire stations and facilities in Alameda County’s unincorporated areas by law and cannot be used for any other purpose.

A YES vote on this measure means: The Alameda County Fire Department would be authorized to issue $90 million in general obligation bonds to fund the services included in the measure.

Con:

Opponents of Measure X argue that this is a terrible time to add over $160 million of taxes (full cost of the bond including the principal and interest) that all property owners must pay; that the program is designed to fail and has no accountability; and that building fancy new fire stations can wait.

A NO vote on this measure means: The Alameda County Fire Department would not be authorized to issue $90 million in general obligation bonds to fund the services included in the measure.

In Depth:

Measure X would authorize the Alameda County Fire Department (“District”) to issue general obligation bonds in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $90 million at an interest rate within the maximum permitted by law. Approval of this measure will authorize a levy on the assessed value of taxable real property within the District by an amount needed to pay the principal and interest on these bonds in each year that the bonds are outstanding.

The primary purpose of the bonds would be to finance the acquisition and improvement of real property, including facilities related to medical, 911, and wildfire protection services; replacing and repairing stations; and retrofitting fire facilities for earthquake safety. The proceeds will be used only for the purposes specified in the measure.

The best estimate of the annual average tax rate required to be levied to fund the bonds is $0.0157 per $100 of assessed valuation ($15.70 per $100,000) of all property to be taxed. The best estimate of the highest tax rate is $0.0160 per $100 of assessed valuation ($16.00 per $100,000) of all property to be taxed in 2021/2022. The best estimate of the final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is 2051/52. The District’s best estimate of the total debt service, including principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all of the bonds are issued and sold is $160,471,000.

The Fire Chief of the District shall file an annual report with the District’s Board that contains information regarding the amount of funds collected and expended and the status of the projects. The District’s Board will establish an independent oversight committee to confirm that the expenditures are consistent with this Measure’s intent. The measure also provides for an annual independent financial audit to confirm that the expenditures are consistent with the measure’s intent.

Source: County Counsel's Impartial Analysis of Measure X

Official Resources

Alameda County Elections Office

Alameda County Information About Measure X & FAQs

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Con:

In Depth:

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