Fire Prevention Fee Coming Soon

“You know we've had fires all around us, up in the hills right behind us here we had two fires,” said Nelson.

Close to 1-million California property owners including Nelson have already or will soon be receiving the new annual fire protection fee of 150 dollars. It's estimated it will raise 85-million dollars a year for fire protection in rural areas. A Cal-Fire spokesperson says after massive recent budget cuts, this fee will help the homeowners prevent fires.

“Anything that prepares people for fires and to help prevent them, making sure that we stop the spread or prevent the fire from starting in the first place,” said Daniel Berlant, spokesperson Cal-Fire.

But some republicans disagree; former senator George Runner held a press conference in Fresno today calling this fee an unfair and unconstitutional tax. Saying people already pay enough in property taxes.

“To me it would be the same if we found people in urban areas and say you know more crime happens there in a rural area so you need to pay a higher fee for that crime,” said Runner, Board of Equalization.

Thousands of residents throughout the state are upset over the fee. But Nelson feels it's justified as long as the money will help safeguard his home.

“As long as it gets spent for what it's being billed as firefighting fee. Yea I'm happy with it,” said Nelson.

Property owners in Fresno County should receive their bill by September 7th through the 10th.

If you want more information call 916-445-2181.