Since 1935, Felton Fire has protected our community. Today, outdated funding, rising costs, and shrinking volunteer numbers put our local fire district at a crossroads. The upcoming Special Benefit Assessment is our chance to keep fast, local emergency response in Felton's hands.
Come hear from your Fire Chief
Felton Fire Station · 131 Kirby St. · Zoom available · Chief Isaac Blum available for smaller neighborhood gatherings
more dates added
The Challenge: Funding
Our community's demand for emergency services has tripled since 1999 — but Felton Fire's funding structure hasn't changed in nearly 80 years. The pool of volunteers is shrinking. Equipment is aging. State and federal requirements are more demanding than ever.
The Challenge: Response Time
FFPD currently meets, and strives to exceed, the NFPA 1710 standards – and the assessment is what keeps it that way.
Resources & Documents
Since 1935, Felton Fire has protected our community. Today we are at a crossroads — this letter explains what's at stake and how to cast your ballot before July 24.
YES means a known plan, reliable local response, and community control. NO means uncertainty and funds potentially leaving Felton. Plain answers to the most common questions.
Your YES vote funds 3 paid firefighters on duty 24/7, upgraded equipment, station repairs, and community programs — all locally managed with funds staying in Felton.
Volunteers are vital and deeply appreciated — but the U.S. has lost nearly a quarter of its volunteer firefighters since 2008 while call volume rose 70%. Felton now needs paid professionals alongside its volunteers.
Merging sounds simple — but it's actually a dissolution. Felton would lose control of its station, equipment, and funds with no guarantee on costs or service levels.
Most Felton homes pay $550–$650 per year — less than annual trash and recycling fees. Your ballot shows your exact amount.
90% of residences will pay under $642 per year — about $50 per month. This essential service costs less than your trash and recycling bills.
Prop 218 is California's strictest funding mechanism — legally restricted uses, independently verified by SCI Consulting, and overseen by a Citizens' Committee. Any surplus returned to property owners.
Local Control
If the assessment passes, Felton keeps control. If it fails, an outside entity takes over — and however they choose to tax us, we will have no say in the matter. There is no guarantee our tax dollars will stay focused on Felton.
Have questions about the assessment? Want to help spread the word in Felton? We'd love to hear from you.
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