Los Angeles County residents are once again being asked to dip into their wallets for a new parcel tax, Measure E, to raise $152 million annually for the County Fire Department. While everyone wants to ensure that our firefighters have the resources they need to protect our communities, Los Angeles County voters deserve a plan that does not raise serious concerns about transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the county’s willingness to manage its existing $46 billion budget effectively.

First, let’s be clear: L.A. County residents already pay a special parcel tax to support the fire department. Passed in 1997, this tax started at $48 per year for single-family homeowners and now costs over $94 annually, adjusted for inflation. This tax, which is still in place, has no sunset date, and Measure E would add yet another “forever” tax, also increasing by up to 2% per year. How many times can taxpayers be asked to fund what should already be a priority in the county’s budget?

The lack of transparency is startling but perpetuates the Board’s modus operandi. Why is the county not allocating funds for critical emergency services from its massive $46 billion budget? With $1.6 billion already going to the fire department annually, it begs the question: where is the money going, and why isn’t it enough? Instead of showing accountability and reworking priorities within the existing budget, the county is opting for the easy way out—asking taxpayers for more money.

Supporters of Measure E emphasize that the funds will be used solely for fire department operations and not for pension or workers’ compensation obligations. However, the reality is that money is fungible. While Measure E’s revenues may go toward operations, it frees up other parts of the budget for rising pension costs. For context, in 2012-13, the fire department’s pension costs were $57.1 million; by now, they’ve more than doubled to nearly $135 million. Additionally, retiree health insurance costs are $39 million and climbing. With so much money being directed toward compensation and retirement benefits, it’s no wonder the county is struggling to fund essential services.

Click here to read the article in the Los Angeles Daily News.