This past week's "Question of the Week," concerned the issue of The Golder Ranch Fire District basically having a monopoly in Oro Valley. We asked your opinion on this issue. A "new" resident, "New In Town, " responded with a text message asking some rather intelligent questions.
As we don't have an email to respond, we'll use our blog as a means of communication.
Following is the message, and then, our response.
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Name: NewInTown
Response: What does "substantially less" mean? What is the actual
difference?
Since I'm new here, I'm not even sure how the rates are calculated for
this. Is it based on house or property value?
As for another Fire District....not sure...
If Rural "failed" as a result of losing the Town Hall Facility, it seems
the Town Hall was carrying the rest of their district...
Frankly, I think the first issue is to understand how the rates are
calculated...then we can talk about the cost.
Do we have representation on the Golder Ranch Board?
Do we get to look at their budgets...
Lots of questions...maybe this isn't the place but they do need to be
answered.
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Our Response
The word "substantial" is without doubt, a relative term. Specifically, La Canada Fire District, that would love to service Oro Valley, presently charges their customers at a rate of $1.25/$100 of assessed value. GRFD, on the other hand, exclusive of any additional bond issue payments, charges OV residents at a rate of $1.89/$100. That's more than 50%---which can be considered, "substantial."
A fire district, in accordance with the law, charges the property owner based on the assessed value of the property. (GRFD sets the rates.) Rural-Metro (as a public company) had been charging their subscribers based on the size of the home. Most homes have appreciated in value, and therefore are consistently being assessed at a higher value. Conversely, not many homes have grown larger.
Rural-Metro had been servicing the Town Hall facilities for years, at no cost to Oro Valley. One month after being endorsed by the GRFD, four of those candidates were elected, and voted to remove R-M, and allow GRFD to service these facilities. Was it a coincidence, or just a lack of not considering the ramifications of their action? All we know, is the merger came a short time later, and thousands of us are paying much more for our necessary fire service.
GRFD is based in Catalina. They do have a B of D, and citizens are eligible to serve. However, keep in mind, majority rules. And, yes, you can also access their budget. http://www.golderranchfire.org/
Last point. As noted in the question----each community must decide by a majority, if they wish to be annexed. Your choices are limited. If the community says "yes," you pay the prevailing rate. If it's "no," you have no fire service unless you subscribe at a higher rate. One more thing. Should you not pay, and need fire service, you can expect to pay $100/hr for each fire fighter, and $1000/hr for each truck.
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding on this issue. Additionally, there's much more detailed information on the OV Watch Dog site. (Scroll down to "fire issue.)
http://www.orovalleywatchdog.com/
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