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Kriwer: AFMA boards support Proposition 310

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A formal resolution of the Governing Boards of the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, North County Fire & Medical District and the South County Fire & Medical District declares support for Ballot Proposition 310, which authorizes the sales tax of one-10th of one cent that will benefit fire districts across Arizona.

A significant legislative effort is underway from the Professional Firefighters of Arizona, the Arizona Fire Chiefs Association and the Arizona Fire District Association, all supporting Proposition 310’s placement on the November 2022 ballot.

Unlike cities and municipalities, fire districts do not receive funding from the State Highway User Fund, transaction privilege tax/sales tax (state or local), vehicle license tax or income tax.

There are 1.5 million Arizonans who live within the jurisdiction of 144 fire districts. Inadequate funding of these districts results in serious risks to residents and visitors as they travel on state interstates and rural roads. Over the past five years, nearly 2,000 people have died in vehicle crashes on Arizona’s rural roads, and another 30,000 have been injured. The impact of inadequate coverage and longer response times for residents and nonresident visitors to Arizona, who are just driving through and experiencing a severe auto accident, is significant.

Additionally, fire districts provide a significant portion of Arizona’s wildland firefighting personnel and equipment. Fires across the state are becoming more challenging and intense. The loss of firefighting personnel and budgetary constraints result in a reduced capacity to provide wildland firefighting resources to address intensifying wildfires.

Proposition 310 will provide additional firefighters, improve emergency response times, increase medical equipment and supplies, and generally increase the quality of emergency fire and medical services to Arizona’s fire districts throughout the entire state of Arizona.

Both the North County Fire & Medical District and the South County Fire & Medical District are supported primarily by property tax dollars in each district by separately determined budget processes. With the passage of Proposition 310, funds will be used annually to improve and enhance emergency fire and medical services across Arizona fire districts.

Additionally, this funding will allow for controlled property tax stabilization, while sharing the funding amongst all visitors and residents in the state.

The board of directors of the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, the North County Fire & Medical District and the South County Fire & Medical District do hereby declare their support for the passage of Proposition 310.