📋

Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Lake County Grand Jury • 2020-2021

Measure A: Kelseyville Fire Protection District

View PDF View Full Original

⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings 10 findings

F1 Page 145

“Benefit unit” parcel taxes are perhaps the most complex forms of parcel taxation because rates vary significantly and are highly specific to a property.

F2 Page 145

The disparate tax rates for large property owners, on top of a 2% annual increase, were not well received.

F3 Page 145

An “us-vs-them” mindset developed between the less affluent and agricultural areas and the more affluent Rivieras and Buckingham.

F4 Page 145

Many voters disputed whether all District residents would benefit from either an increased response time or lower property insurance rates.

F5 Page 145

Not all voters in the District are media-savvy and could appreciate the plethora of ballot information available online.

F6 Page 145

Both consulting firms, including the one that conducted the election in lieu of Lake County, were from Southern California, and resistance was expressed to “out-of-towners” telling the community what was best for them.

F7 Page 145

The COVID pandemic restricted in-person interaction with District voters.

F8 Page 145

Contrary to the perception of some of the voters, a sunset clause of, at latest, 2057/58 for the bond was included in the Resolution adopted on 9/22/21.

F9 Page 145

Conducting an all-mail-ballot special election, as was done with Measure A, put the Measure before voters in an election that typically has the lowest turnout.

F10 Page 145

The District could not have a specific location identified for the new firehouse, or construction plans and costs available prior to the election. RECOMMENDATIONS 2021-2022 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Final Report Page | 145

Recommendations 8

R1
Page 146

That KFPD schedule its next parcel-tax measure to coincide with either a primary or general election in order to attract a higher voter turnout. (F-9)
R2
Page 146

That if KFPD again retains outside consultants that it consider whether more- regional companies could provide the desired services. (F-6)
R3
Page 146

That KFPD personnel solicit volunteers from all areas of the District to emphasize unity of purpose and beneficial effects of a parcel tax. F-3, F-4)
R4
Page 146

That KFPD staff and volunteers plan more door-to-door canvassing and in-person informational meetings or even kiosks at County fairs and farmers’ markets (F-5, F-7)
R5
Page 146

That a reduction in property insurance costs not be emphasized in any printed material. (R-4).
R6
Page 146

That KFPD consider a less confusing tax rate that is more equitable for large landowners. (F-2)
R7
Page 146

That KPFD employ the services of the Lake County Registrar of Voters for its second parcel-tax election. (F-6)
R8
Page 146

That if KFPD again includes a request for a new station, as well as for equipment and increased staffing, that it explain more clearly to voters that a specific location, specific plans, and a breakdown of estimated specific costs cannot be known until a property is purchased after the election. (F-10) REQUESTED RESPONSE Kelseyville Fire Protection District Board of Directors (R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8) 90 days