Measure PFD

City of Pasadena 911 Firefighter/Paramedic Emergency Medical/Wildfire Preparedness/Response Measure

Measure PFD would annually levy 19¢ per square foot of improved property, with low-income senior exemption, for 14 years, requiring accountability, independent audits, oversight, public spending disclosure. All funds will be used to maintain fire, paramedic, 911 response; prepare for/respond to wildfires/earthquakes/medical emergencies; recruit/retain welltrained firefighters; maintain lifesaving equipment/fire alert communication.

This measure requires approval by 2/3 of voters voting on the measure to pass.

Fiscal Impact: Measure PFD would raise approximately $22,100,000 annually for 14 years to fund local fire and emergency response efforts.

Next Los Angeles County Measure: Measure ES

See Endorsements for Measure PFD

Pro:

Supporters say that Pasadena has fewer firefighters today than it did 75 years ago in the 1950s. Since then, our population has grown 30 percent, our wildfire risk has multiplied with our changing climate, and 911 calls have climbed from 1 ,800 a year to more than 20,000. The result: Twenty percent of the time, a second 91 1 emergency comes in within five minutes of the first. Without Measure PFD, Pasadena may be forced to close two fire stations, and may not have enough firefighters and paramedics on duty to reach both emergencies at once.

A YES vote on this measure means: you support the proposed property improvement tax to support fire and emergency response.

Con:

Opponents say that Pasadena's firefighters and paramedics deserve strong support. But building square footage does not reflect emergency service use. This tax was a hasty decision, made after the city ignoring financial strains for years. Firefighters serve everyone: homeowners, renters, workers, tourists, businesses, commuters, Rose Bowl guests, and people experiencing homelessness. But only property owners bear the higher tax burden. Public safety is a citywide responsibility. County and state investigators determined that electrical equipment caused the Baton Fire. Pasadena firefighters have also responded to a brush fire linked to a documented homeless encampment.

A NO vote on this measure means: you are against the proposed property improvement tax to support fire and emergency response.

Background

The Pasadena Fire Department has served residents for more than 135 years, providing essential fire protection, paramedic care, rescue operations, wildfire mitigation, and all hazard emergency response. Modern fire and emergency medical response requires an integrated public safety system that includes professionally trained firefighters and paramedics, properly located and well maintained fire stations, modern engines and rescue ambulances, reliable emergency communications technology, lifesaving equipment, prevention programs, and sufficient staffing to respond effectively to multiple emergencies, including enhancements to wildfire readiness, brush and debris removal, and other life-safety programs.

Many Pasadena fire stations, some built more than sixty years ago, require substantial modernization, reconstruction, or full replacement in order to accommodate current emergency response apparatus, operational needs, staffing levels, and industry standard safety requirements.

Delaying necessary fire station improvements, apparatus replacement, communications system upgrades, and other public safety investments increases future costs and may limit the City's ability to respond effectively to growing emergency service demand.

Proposal

If approved, Measure PFD would levy a 19¢ per square foot tax on improved property, with low-income senior exemption, for 14 years. This tax would generate approximately $22,100,000 annually and be deposited into a special fund and used exclusively for capital and operational needs. These funds will support the construction, repair, replacement, and modernization of fire stations, Fire headquarters, training facilities, communications systems, apparatus, equipment, and other essential capital improvements. Additionally, parcel-tax revenues may be used for debt service related to these capital expenditures, enabling the City to responsibly finance major infrastructure projects and maintain fiscal sustainability.

Source: Pasadena Ballot Measures

Los Angeles County Election Resources

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Background

Proposal

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