Our nieghbors to the south.

Ukiah Valley Fire District gets new fees approved
By ROB BURGESS The Daily Journal
Article Last Updated: 07/23/2008 12:04:37 AM PDT

Based on new development

Larger-scale development in the Ukiah Valley Fire District will come with a new cost thanks to an action of the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
A 39-cent per square foot fire protection mitigation fee was approved unanimously during the board's regular board meeting.
Dan Grebil, UVFD chief, said the responsibilities of the district are continuing to grow.
"The district provides protection to about 80 square miles outside of Ukiah," he said. "We received 1,020 calls for service last year. We are a single-purpose district -- fire protection."
Grebil said every square foot added in the district was another square foot the district was responsible for.
"Whether your position is no growth, slow growth or pro growth, it is fair that new development pay for this fire protection," he said. "We looked at various potential fees for growth. We've lumped it into one rate. Any new added square footage is an incremental impact to the district."
Grebil said smaller-scale buildings would be spared from the new fee structure.
"We exempted accessory buildings to the fees," he said. "Each parcel is exempt up to 500 square feet of addition. We won't even see permits for repair and maintenance. We will see remodeling and additions to structures permits."
Third District Supervisor John Pinches said he was concerned about other fire districts in the county being left out of potential new sources of income that could spring from new fees.
"If this is good for Ukiah Valley (Fire District) why isn't this good for the rest of the fire districts in the county?" he asked.
Jeanine Nadel, county counsel, said the cost of hiring a consultant to bring the issue forward is too much for most districts.
"Every fire district has the ability to do what UVFD has done," she said. "They're all aware that they can do this."
Grebil said other fire districts in the county would greatly appreciate the funds, but didn't have the capital to make the initial investment.
"It will take us 625,000 square feet of new development to recoup consultant fees," he said. "The amount of the money to do the study is not worth it for some districts. They're all entitled to it. Ask them if they're flush with money they'll say no' with some expletives added on the end."
Before the item was passed unanimously, Board Chair and 2nd District Supervisor Jim Wattenburger said he supported the proposal and urged his fellow board members to vote likewise.
"Every fire district, if they had the ability, would have to come forward and ask for approval," he said. "Some will never be able to do that. Some will and others will follow in quick succession after this district. I am not a great believer in fees, but I would vote for this fee every day of the week compared with some of the others that are being shoved down our throats by the state. It was conducted and conceived on a local, autonomous basis. I think this a correct direction for the board to be moving in."
Rob Burgess can be reached at udjrb@pacific.net.