Report urges Felton Fire to consider taxing residents or dissolving
About 6,000 residents in Felton Fire Protection District could soon face proposals for a new tax. (Stephen Baxter – Santa Cruz Local file)
By Jesse Kathan, Santa Cruz Local
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FELTON >> Felton residents may soon face a proposal for a new tax as local regulators pressure Felton Fire Protection District leaders to make a plan for the embattled district’s future — and suggest merging with another fire agency is its best option.
Felton Fire, an independently governed district that provides emergency services to about 6 square miles, has faced years of mounting pension debt, decreasing volunteers, and a rotation of chiefs.
Last year, Felton Fire contracted with Ben Lomond Fire District to respond to 911 calls and helm training. But in May, Ben Lomond Fire leaders prematurely ended the contract after its chief alleged a hostile work environment. Felton Fire is now led by a part-time, volunteer interim chief.
Now, a local agency that regulates the boundaries of cities and special districts is urging Felton Fire leaders to make a plan. The Local Agency Formation Commission of Santa Cruz County on July 25 released a report on possible next steps for the agency, including raising more money for paid firefighters and being absorbed by another fire district.
In either case, Felton Fire property owners would likely need to pay a new tax.
Jesse Kathan
Jesse Kathan is a staff reporter for Santa Cruz Local through the California Local News Fellowship. They hold a master’s degree in science communications from UC Santa Cruz.
