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Consider introducing an ordinance to place a countywide general sales tax measure of 1/8 cent on the June 2022 ballot; Receive an update from staff on various wildfire protection efforts
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator’s Office recommends the Board of Supervisors:
1. Consider introducing an ordinance to place a countywide general sales tax measure of 1/8 cent on the June 2022 ballot; and
2. Receive an update from staff on various wildfire protection efforts.
SUMMARY:
Since 2017, the North Bay, including Napa, Lake County, Sonoma, Yolo, and Shasta, and much of California, has experienced increased frequency and intensity of wildfires beginning with urban populated areas. The devastating wildfires in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 coupled with a climate pattern that is hotter, dryer, and longer has triggered renewed focus on improving wildfire response capabilities in this environment and in particular addressing the potential for wildfires to spread from wildlands into urban communities. In response to this, Solano County has been exploring options to enhance wildfire prevention and protection, countywide. At its meeting on December 14, 2022, the Board directed its ad hoc fire subcommittee and staff to return in early February with required documents (Attachment A) for placement of a countywide General Sales tax of 1/8 cent on the June 2022 ballot. This measure would generate funds which can be used on a variety of public services to include increased resources for the protection of residential communities, developed areas in cities, and unincorporated areas from the expanding threat of uncontrolled wildfires. The ad hoc fire subcommittee is currently engaged in meetings with city and district fire chiefs. Due to timing required for adoption of an ordinance placing a ballot measure on the June 2022 ballot, staff is recommending that action be taken to introduce the ordinance. Prior to bringing back the ordinance for final action, the ad hoc fire subcommittee will be engaging in further discussions with key stakeholders. Based on the outcome of the discussions, the ad hoc fire subcommittee will make a recommendation on whether or not to proceed with adoption of the ordinance. The second reading of the ordinance would be scheduled for either the March 1 or March 8, 2022 Board meetings. The final deadline is March 11, 2022 to place a measure on the June 2022 ballot. More details on the process moving forward would be provided at that time.
The discussion section and Attachment B to this report provide summaries of other wildfire efforts completed or underway.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2021/22 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with placement of a revenue measure will total approximately $500,000 for voter guide printing, which will be absorbed by the Registrar of Voters FY2021/22 budget. Additional costs may be incurred to provide informational materials on the ballot measure. These costs will be addressed should the proposed ordinance be brought back for final adoption in early March.
DISCUSSION:
Revenue Measure
On December 14, 2022, the Board received a presentation on polling conducted to gauge support for a revenue measure for enhanced wildfire protection and prevention. The anticipated $9,000,000 in revenue generated by this measure would allow for establishment of at least two if not more 24/7 staffed fire stations in the Cordelia and Vacaville District areas, provide additional training for volunteers, enhance the weed abatement program, and provide funding for additional fire prevention activities. Attachment B contains a summary of various efforts in process to enhance wildfire prevention in Solano County. The revenue measure is being recommended as a general tax measure with revenues generated going to the County’s General Fund and predominantly spent on wildfire prevention, with this priority being recommended to future boards. Polling conducted indicated the largest priority for residents is wildfire prevention. The inclusion of an oversight committee will ensure expenditures are being closely tracked to reflect the priorities of future boards and the public.
Wildfire Prevention Efforts
At its May 4, 2021 meeting, the Solano County Board of Supervisors directed staff to apply for a CAL FIRE grant, in partnership with the Solano RCD, for the purpose of creating a countywide Fire Safe Council, a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), and evacuation plans and procuring accompanying software. On Monday, January 24, 2022, staff received notification from CAL FIRE authorizing work to begin on these efforts. Additionally, the Governor signed SB 129, which included $1,900,000 for fire prevention funding, which was sponsored by Senator Dodd. Staff is conducting meetings to identify projects that would be funded by this allocation, which will further enhance wildfire prevention efforts ahead of the upcoming fire season, which may include creation of a chipping program and a street number signage program.
Other recent Board actions include:
• At its June 22, 2021 meeting, the Board directed staff to submit an application to LAFCO for reorganization of the Cordelia and Vacaville Fire Protection Districts, and to include a small northern portion of the Suisun Fire Protection District, known as Study Area One, and to explore funding options such as a possible revenue measure.
• On August 24, 2021, the Board authorized staff to apply for a County Coordinator position to provide staffing support for the growing efforts to support fire prevention. Staff is preparing an RFP for this position and anticipates executing a contract early spring.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose to wait and approve placement of a Revenue Measure in November. This is not recommended, however, as the ad hoc fire subcommittee is recommending the June timeline, at this time.
The Board may choose to wait for the LAFCO process to complete. This is not recommended, however, as revenue will be required whether districts reorganize or not, in order to ensure sustainability of staffing, equipment, and facilities for fire protection.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Staff worked with County Counsel, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office/Office of Emergency Services, the Solano RCD, the Cordelia Fire Protection District, and the Vacaville Fire Protection District in preparation for this report.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION