Todd: Vote yes on Proposition 310 to fund fire districts
Posted
By Phil Todd, a resident of Gold Canyon
You have seen the Proposition 310 signs, but have you really understood the reason for the signs?
Proposition 310 would establish a one-tenth of a cent sales tax on purchases on top of local and regional sales taxes. Funds generated from that tax, for 20 years beginning after Dec. 31 this year if approved by voters, will be distributed to fire districts throughout the state.
Key points:
City municipal fire departments are not the same as a “fire district.” Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma, etc. vs. Superstition Fire & Medical, Queen Valley, etc.
Municipal fire departments got federal COVID money. Fire districts did not get any money.
Municipal fire departments report to their city councils.
Fire districts report to an elected board of directors. A budget is approved by the board of directors and is submitted to the county.
Because Proposition 310 is a statewide sales tax increase, and the money is going to be distributed only to the fire districts, I recommend a “yes” vote.
