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Specifically, the measure requests your approval of a maximum special benefit tax levied on a parcel and class of improvement to property basis as set forth in an ordinance, applicable within the CSA, adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Under the ordinance, the maximum charges are as follows:

Parcel, Class of Improvement Maximum Special Benefit Tax of Property, Use of Property
Residential $ 65 per single dwelling unit
Multi-Unit Attached $ 65 for the first dwelling unit, plus Residential $ 12 per additional dwelling unit, per building
Commercial, Industrial $100 per building
Institutional, Recreational $100 per building
Agricultural Buildings $ 65 per building over 2,000 sq. ft

Each fifth anniversary date, the Board of Supervisors may direct the maximum tax be increased by a percentage equal to the percentage increase in the consumer price index between January 1, of the immediately preceding fiscal year and the preceding January 1, as determined for the San Diego area by the U. S. Department of Labor. The maximum increase may not exceed $5.00.

Approval by two-thirds of the voters voting on the measure is required to adopt the special benefit tax. The CSA may not levy more than the maximum tax permitted by the ordinance without again obtaining two-thirds voter approval.

The department has recently been successful in reducing Campo's fire insurance rating from "10" to "9" resulting in potential insurance premium savings to homeowners. Efforts are in progress to reduce that rating to "8" or "7", but funds to improve service are scarce. By supporting this new benefit fee, residents will assure the continuity of this vital community service by providing funds for liability insurance, fuel, equipment maintenance, and repairs to the World War II-era fire station

The department cannot continue to provide adequate fire protection and emergency medical services without another source of funds beyond the property tax percentage, hence the need to turn to the voters. Remember that Campo's firefighters and board members are all volunteers. Many of the firefighters drive from San Diego at their own cost to volunteer, even providing their own meals and bedding. They simply ask that this community support their efforts by providing sufficient funds to do the job properly. This benefit fee is an extremely small price to pay to have help available promptly in emergencies. Please vote "YES" on the benefit fee for Service Area 112 -Campo Volunteer Fire and Rescue; help yourself and your community.

LYNN A. NEFF, Community Board Member

MSGT D. H. MIKESELL USAFR, Campo Resident

SHELIA E. JAMISON, Campo Resident

JANETTE MILLS, Treasurer, Campo Fire Board

JOHN G. ING, Campo Fire Board Member

The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Diego ordains as follows:

Section 1. The Board does hereby determine and propose for adoption an annual Special Benefit Tax for structural fire protection service within the boundaries of County Service Area No. 112 of San Diego County, pursuant to Government Code Section 53978, to be levied on a parcel, class of improvement to property and land use basis in amounts not to exceed the following schedule: Parcel, Class of Improvement Maximum Special Benefit Tax of Property, Use of Property
Residential $ 65 per single dwelling unit
Multi-Unit Attached $ 65 for the first dwelling unit, plus Residential $ 12 per additional dwelling unit, per building
Commercial, Industrial $100 per building
Institutional, Recreational $100 per building
Agricultural Buildings $ 65 per building over 2,000 sq. ft.

For the purpose of Fire Protection Tax, all single family residences, mobile home units and trailers shall be considered equal and shall not be subject to separate calculation. There will be a review each fifth anniversary date, and an adjustment made in the assessment based on the increase in Consumer Price Index for the San Diego area as determined by the U. S. Department of Labor. Maximum increase for each of these reviews will not exceed $5.

Section 2. Such charges shall be charged to any parcel to which fire protection service may be made available, whether or not such fire protection service is actually used upon such parcel, except such tax shall not be imposed upon a federal or state governmental agency or another local agency.

Section 3. Such charges shall be imposed for the purposes of obtaining, furnishing, operating, and maintaining fire protection equipment and apparatus, and for the purpose of paying salaries, insurance costs, and benefits to firefighting personnel.

Section 4. Each fifth anniversary date, beginning in Fiscal Year 2006-2007, the Board of Supervisors may direct the maximum Special Benefit Tax as stated in Section 1 to be increased by a percentage equal to the percentage increase of the adjusted Consumer Price Index measured between January 1 of the immediately preceding fiscal year and the preceding January 1 as determined by the San Diego area by the U. S. Department of Labor. The maximum increase for each of these reviews will not exceed $5. Increases greater than the increase of the Consumer Price Index shall not be made unless they are authorized by a two-thirds vote of voters casting ballots in the year for which such increases are proposed.

Section 5. Pursuant to Government Code Section 53978, the Special Benefit Tax proposed by this Ordinance shall be submitted to the voters within the boundaries of County Service Area No. 112 -Campo. The ballot proposition shall be worded as provided in the Resolution of the Board of Supervisors calling the election within the County Service Area.

Section 6. This Ordinance shall become operative within County Service Area No. 112 on July 1, 2001, if the Special Benefit Tax proposed by this Ordinance is approved by two-thirds of the voters voting on the question of adoption of the Special Benefit Tax.

Section 7. If the proposition is approved, the Board of Supervisors shall establish schedules varying each of such Special Benefit Taxes according to value of benefits to each parcel and according to availability of fire suppression equipment, apparatus, and personnel to the affected parcel and improvement. However, the Special Benefit Tax shall not exceed the maximum charges set forth in Section 1 hereof.

Section 8. If any portion of this Ordinance be declared unconstitutional, invalid or otherwise unenforceable, the other provisions of this Ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 9. Pursuant to Government Code Section 25123, this Ordinance is effective immediately as an Ordinance relating to an election.

Section 10. Before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after its passage, this Ordinance shall be published once with names of members voting for and against the same, in the San Diego Daily Transcript, a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of San Diego.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of , 2000.