Fact Sheet: About Measure M
What is Measure M ?
Measure M will be on your election ballot this November 4th.
You will be asked to vote YES or NO on the following ballot language:
Shall Amador County enact a one-half cent sales tax for fire protection and emergency medical response services, with the proceeds allocated to local fire districts as described in Ordinance No. 1676 (including reallocation to reflect any changes in the number of districts), to be used for paid firefighter/emergency medical response personnel to staff existing fire stations, administrative support, and volunteer insurance, training and incentive programs?
Amador County Measure M
Tax Ballot Measure – November 4, 2008
A Proposed 1/2 Cent Sales Tax to support
Emergency Fire and Medical Aid Services
What will be done with the money from this sales tax?
Revenue from Measure M will provide funding for personnel to allow for 24/7 coverage in existing fire stations across Amador County. Funding is specifically designated for the following activities: 1) Payment of salaries, benefits and administrative support for paid firefighter – emergency medical response personnel to staff existing fire stations, 2) Support, maintenance and enhancement of volunteer firefighter – emergency response service personnel by funding volunteer insurance, training and incentive programs. Funding from Measure M will be distributed to each of the seven fire departments in the County using a formula based on population and number of calls for service, as well as a flat amount guaranteed to each agency.
I thought our firefighters were paid. Are they all volunteers?
All local government firefighters in Amador County are volunteers. This includes firefighters in the cities as well as the unincorporated areas of the County. The local fire departments receive support from Cal Fire stations in Amador County. The primary mission of Cal Fire is protection from wildland fires while local government is responsible for structural fire protection, emergency medical services, and other incidents which require a fire department response. Local firefighters and Cal Fire firefighters have worked together for many years in providing the best possible fire protection services to Amador County and that relationship will continue.
Why do we need paid firefighters?
The rapidly increasing number of calls, more stringent training requirements, and decreasing availability of volunteers are all factors contributing to the need for paid staff.
If Measure M is approved then what happens with the current funding for fire protection services?
The County, Cities, and Special Districts will continue funding for equipment and the operation of our volunteer fire departments. Passage of Measure M will provide for paid staffing to support the existing system.
