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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Smart Voter
Marin County, CA November 7, 2006 Election
Measure M
Paramedic Special Tax
Marinwood Community Services District
Two-Thirds Approval Required

Pass: 1521 / 71.21% Yes votes ...... 615 / 28.79% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures
Results as of Jan 4 9:35am, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (4/4)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

To maintain the current level of paramedic services in Marinwood and keep trained paramedics, shall Ordinance No. 14 be amended to permit phased increases up to $24.00 annually above the current rate on residential units, and up to $.03 per square foot annually above the current rate on non-residential structures; and, shall Marinwood Community Services District's appropriation limit be correspondingly increased?

Impartial Analysis
If this measure is approved by a two-thirds vote, the Marinwood Community Services District shall be authorized to amend Ordinance No. 14 by increasing the special tax to maintain the current level of paramedic services by phased increases up to twenty four dollars ($24.00) annually above the current rate on residential structures, and a maximum of three cents ($0.03) per square foot annually above the current rate on non-residential structures and the appropriation limit for the Marinwood Community Services District would be correspondingly increased.

Dated: August 24, 2006

s/PATRICK K. FAULKNER
County Counsel

  
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Arguments For Measure M Arguments Against Measure M
For twenty-six years Marinwood Community Services District, along with other unincorporated County areas, has participated in paramedic services provided by San Rafael. In 1979, Marinwood voters voted to tax themselves to fully fund participation in the paramedic program. Every four years since then, the community has voted to re-authorize and increase the tax to keep pace with costs and increases in the level of service. The current tax will expire in July of 2007. Your approval of Measure M is needed to keep the paramedic program in place and to meet the costs associated with increased service.

Since the paramedic service was initiated in 1980, there has been significant increase in emergency calls for paramedic service. In 2006 alone, paramedics responded to over 4,000 calls. Along with the volume of responses, costs for fuel, supplies, equipment and wages have also increased.

To fully fund the paramedic program, the paramedic tax must be increased. Measure M will increase the current $61.00 maximum to a maximum of $85.00 for residential units, and increase the current 8 cents per square foot maximum tax rate for non-residential structures to a maximum of 11 cents. Annual taxes will be based on actual costs, not the maximum tax, but in any case the tax cannot exceed the $85.00 maximum and cannot exceed the cost of providing the service.

A YES vote on Measure M will ensure that all households will continue to receive the protections and benefits of this vital life-saving service. The approval of two-thirds of those voting is required to pass this measure.

The proceeds from this tax can only be spent on the paramedic program.

s/DAVID S. MITCHELL
President, Marinwood CSD Board

s/CAMERON CASE
Resident

s/FRANK NELSON
Resident

s/GENEVIEVE T. BOLDING
MCSD Board Member, Retired

s/TOM ROACH
Fire Chief

Rebuttal to Arguments For
First, the argument touting this unnecessary tax increase is lifted almost word-for-word from the 2002 ballot and follows that put forth by San Rafael. It totally fails to address the real issue: lack of any fiscal analysis of the budget or the process; once again, Marinwood is handed a budget by San Rafael and told "pay it or else," whether that budget is reasonable or necessary or not. It is not.

Second, the tax increase is not endorsed by the Marinwood CSD Board of Directors.

Third, the budget numbers are not strictly attributable to paramedic services.
s/WALTER K. DODS

As a 37 year resident of Marinwood, member of the CSD Board of Directors, having long been associated with the Marinwood Association and having volunteered 1,000s of hours trying to make Marinwood a better community, I oppose this tax increase.

Contrary to the emotional pleas raised by proponents, this is not an "applehood and motherpie" issue. It is not an issue of whether we should have paramedic service. The issue is what we should be forced to pay for it. It is a fiscal, accountability and budget matter.

Marinwood is denied any opportunity to discuss this budget with San Rafael. It is presented on a take it or leave it basis--"like it, or lump it."

Contrast the $85 tax sought by San Rafael with that levied in Ross Valley, approximately $30.00.

If the measure fails--as it should--there will be no change whatsoever in the kind or quality of service provided. Service will not be terminated.

Ask for and review the budget. I have.

Do not be swayed by false emotional appeals.

s/WALTER K. DODS

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Created: January 4, 2007 09:35 PST
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