South Pasadena : No Fire Suppression Fee

The City Council has dropped plans for a fire suppression assessment district, saying the state budget did less damage to city finances than expected.

Mayor Jim Hodge said the assessment fee is not necessary because the loss of revenue to the state is about $700,000, less than the $1.2 million expected.

The fire fee of $38.93 for the average property owner would have generated $400,000 a year.

Officials said the city is still moving ahead with plans for a street lighting and landscape assessment, which would cost each homeowner $73 to $110. The assessment will be levied unless those owning more than 50% of the property in the city send letters of protest by Wednesday.

The South Pasadena Taxpayers Assn. plans to sue the city this week over a requirement that property owners must provide a copy of photo identification with their objection. City officials say there is no law against it.