Proposal Would Levy New Fee on Developers
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors authorized a study Tuesday of a proposal to levy fees on developers that would cover the cost of new fire stations and equipment in rapidly growing areas of the county.
About $100 million will be needed over the next 20 years to pay for up to 50 new fire stations in the Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and in the Malibu area, said county Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman. Sufficient funds to build and operate those new stations are unavailable, he said.
Rapid growth in those areas has outpaced the fire department’s ability to provide service, Freeman said in his report to the Board of Supervisors. Without the proposed fee, which could range from 16 to 24 cents per square foot, development might have to be postponed until adequate fire protection can be assured.
“Obviously, no one wants to pay more taxes,” said Board Chairman Ed Edelman. “But we know that is the price of an orderly society. This, in my judgment, is a good way to go.”
The board will vote on the proposal once the study is complete.
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