Letter to the Editor on Albion Fire Tax idea: Meyer- more communication needed from the district
Dear Editor – thank you for your very thoughtful article in the MendocinoCoast.News. I feel you succinctly identified issues and proposed alternatives that nailed the issue.
Last year I was heavily involved in trying to pass the exact same measure that’s on the table now. The measure failed to achieve the 2/3rds vote it needed to pass, but by a slim margin. This measure is being presented again as a citizens initiative and if the initiative receives the appropriate amount of public signatures (I believe it’s 125, but don’t quote me), then it will appear on the 2026 ballot and only require a simple majority to pass (50% +1).
As a former staff and board member I feel I have a good understanding of fire department challenges and needs. Segway to this past June, when I walked away from all fire department related activities for personal reasons.
Since leaving, I have had time to reflect on my experiences with the department and now, as a private citizen, find that I really never hear anything about fire department activities, issues or concerns unless I make an active effort to seek this information out. I feel that communication from the department to regular citizens of the community is mainly nonexistent, and now the community is being asked to support a fire tax increase which would raise the current rate by approximately fourfold. If my experience is the same as the rest of the community, it seems unreasonable without some heavy duty justification.
Hindsight is an interesting thing, and I wish I had been more observant of the lack of communication to the public during my time with the department.
While I fully recognize and appreciate the essential services provided by our fire department, I believe this proposed increase is excessive and would impose an unreasonable financial burden on the residents of our community.
Our village, along with the residents of Little River consists largely of working families, retirees, and individuals living on fixed or limited incomes. Many already struggle to manage the rising costs of housing, utilities, and everyday necessities. A tax increase of this magnitude risks placing an untenable strain on those who can least afford it.
I agree with your suggestions that urge the committee to reconsider the scope of the proposed increase. A more measured approach—such as a phased or moderate adjustment—would allow the department to secure necessary funding without jeopardizing the financial stability of our residents. Additionally, I encourage exploration of alternative funding sources, including premium taxation of vacation rentals, lobbying for county, state or federal assistance, and inter-municipal collaboration, before implementing such a significant tax hike.
Oversight of funds is also key in this tax measure, and I fully agree that including citizens on an oversight committee would be of utmost importance.
We all share the goal of ensuring the safety and readiness of our fire services. However, fiscal responsibility and community affordability must remain central considerations in any decision that affects the entire community.
-Wendy Meyer
Editor’s note- Thank you very much for your thoughtful response. We do think $600 is a lot but we think it might be what is needed, we are still listening . We do think a fund should be set up to assist those who cant afford this.
