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Marin County, CA November 2, 2010 Election
Measure E
Continuation of the Paramedic Services Special Tax
City of Larkspur

2/3 Approval Required

Pass: 3855 / 70.08% Yes votes ...... 1646 / 29.92% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Results as of Jan 6 2:58pm, 100.0% of Precincts Reporting (10/10)
Information shown below: Impartial Analysis | Arguments |

Shall there be a continuation of the special tax for paramedic services in the amount of $42.50 not exceeding $51.50 in the fourth year per taxable living unit or per 1,500 square feet of structure of each developed parcel in non-residential use, to be collected in addition to transport fees charged to insurance providers for Ross Valley residents, with the appropriations limit increased by the amount of said tax for the next four years?

Impartial Analysis from City Attorney
The City Council of the City of Larkspur placed Measure E on the November 2, 2010 ballot to ask voters to extend the existing special parcel tax for paramedic services ("Paramedic Tax") for an additional 4 years.

In 1983, the voters of Larkspur, along with the other voters within the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority ("Authority"), initially approved the Paramedic Tax. Voters have approved extensions and increases in the Paramedic Tax since that time. The current Paramedic Tax was approved by voters in 2006, and authorizes a maximum rate of $48 for each residential living unit and for each 1,500 square feet of non-residential developed space. It is currently levied at $42 (plus a $.50 Marin County administrative fee), less than the approved maximum rate. The authority for the Paramedic Tax is set to expire on June 30, 2011 unless it is extended by the voters.

Measure E would authorize continuing the levy of the Paramedic Tax for another 4 years, and also authorize an incremental increase of $3 each year for a maximum rate not to exceed $51 in the fourth year (plus the Marin County administrative fee) for each living unit and for each 1,500 square feet of non-residential developed space. As a special tax, the Paramedic Tax is restricted to use for paramedic purposes, including but not limited to emergency response, training, cost of medical supplies and equipment, and replacement of ambulance transport units. The Paramedic Tax would terminate automatically in 4 years, unless extended by a subsequent vote of the voters within the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority.

A "yes" vote is a vote to approve the extension of the Paramedic Tax for 4 years and authorize an incremental increase of $3 per year for a rate not to exceed $51 in the fourth year. A "no" vote is a vote against extension of the Paramedic Tax. Measure E will be approved if it receives a two-thirds majority of "yes" voters.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure E. If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the City Clerk's office at (415) 927-5002 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

s/SKY WOODRUFF
City Attorney

 
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Arguments For Measure E
Since 1983, the voters in the Ross Valley have overwhelmingly approved a special tax to provide paramedic service. To continue this high standard of emergency medical care for four more years, you must now re-approve this tax. The initial Ross Valley Paramedic Authority (RVPA) tax provided for a single ambulance. The demand for paramedic service from our citizens dictates that service levels continue to expand and evolve. Yet, we are seeking to continue the tax at its current rate of $42, and if needed, a $3 annual increase in the remaining 3 years to a maximum of $51. It should be noted that although authorized by the voters to do so, the RVPA did not incrementally increase its tax during the last three years. Thus, in order to maintain our current levels of service and to plan for future improvements based on community demand for high quality, fire department based advanced life support paramedic services, we are seeking your support with this measure.

Your parcel tax pays for a significant portion of the paramedic program and enables us to not directly bill our Ross Valley resident customers. Additional funds are collected from medical insurance companies and through billing of non-resident customers. In addition, your tax covers expenses associated with paramedic training, medical supplies and equipment, and the replacement of ambulance vehicles when needed.

Our goal is to continue to provide state of the art paramedic care in the Ross Valley. We need your vote to continue this vital service. Vote YES on Measure E.

s/JOAN L. LUNDSTROM
Mayor

(No arguments against Measure E were submitted)


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Created: January 6, 2011 14:58 PST
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