Town Council urges support of Windsor Fire Protection District parcel tax

The Windsor Town Council voted overwhelmingly last week to
support a new parcel tax being requested by the Windsor Fire
Protection District.
WFPD board member John Nelson made a brief presentation to the
council, describing the need which has given rise to the a special
election scheduled for mid-September. The election ballot will
present Measure A, asking voters to decide upon a new parcel tax of
$168 per year.
The existing WFPD parcel tax has been $67.50 per parcel, with no
adjustment for inflation, since 1986. Nelson pointed out that
Windsor’s population has doubled since 1990, leading to a
significant increase in the WFPD’s average response time to
emergency calls.
Windsor resident Bill Patterson spoke after Nelson, appealing to
the council “to be an advocate of taxpayers.”
“I urge you to stand aside,” said Patterson. “Don’t support this
tonight. There’s a campaign coming on. We need more information.
We’re appealing for more transparency. What are the costs? You can
take a position on this after we get more information, during the
campaign.”
Following Patterson’s plea, councilmembers weighed in with their
thoughts.
“We have the same budget trying to operate the same level of
service with twice as much population,” said Mayor Pro Tem Debora
Fudge. “I live near the fire station and I can hear the increase in
their calls. It’s hard to endorse taxes, but this is important for
the health and welfare of Windsor.”
“The timing couldn’t be worse,” said Councilmember Steve Allen,
“but it boils down to public safety. The fire department has been
run very well financially, but they’re at their limits, and past
them.”
“Is it needed? Is it money well spent?” asked Councilmember Sam
Salmon. “The answer is yes. This is a good deal.”
“While on the council I’ve held to the principles of lower
taxation,” said Mayor Steve Scott, “but there are times when
increased taxes are needed. When you’re looking at the safety of
the community, that’s one of those times. … If you look at this on
an inflationary basis, it may be that they’re not asking for enough
money. The trend of increasing response times is very alarming.
That minute or two difference can make life or death differences.
For me this is extremely important.”
Councilmembers who were present unanimously voted a resolution
urging voters to approve Measure A at the September 16 election.
Councilmember Lynn Morehouse, who was absent due to illness, could
not be reached for comment.
The election for Measure A will be conducted by mail. Voters
should receive ballots later this month. In order to be counted,
ballots must be returned in time to reach the County Elections
Department no later than September 16.