What is the Central Fire District?

The Central Fire District supports the communities of Live Oak, Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, Rio Del Mar and La Selva Beach in Santa Cruz County with fire, water rescue, emergency medical services and hazardous materials calls. We operate seven fire stations to serve a population of over 90,000.

Why does Central Fire District need Measure R?

The Central Fire District recently undertook a comprehensive facilities assessment and master planning process to better understand how the state of fire stations, engines and other facilities impacts lifesaving services. This process outlined an exhaustive list of urgent repairs, upgrades and improvements. In fact, an independent audit found CFD facilities to be “inadequate” at meeting safety requirements, meaning firefighters are working and living in deteriorating stations with asbestos, lead paint and leaky roofs that do not meet earthquake standards. 

You can read the detailed Facilities Master Plan at https://www.centralfiresc.org/DocumentCenter/View/3262/Central-FD-Long-Range-Master-Plan-November-2022-PDF.

How does Measure R help improve emergency
response times?

CFD operates out of multiple stations that are more than 60 years old. Fire trucks, engines and lifesaving equipment are far beyond their useful life. Firefighters can’t respond to emergencies quickly with faulty equipment and aging stations.

More than 70% of the calls Central Fire receives are for medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes and car accidents. Seconds matter in these life-threatening situations, and can be the difference between life and death. When an emergency strikes, firefighters should be focused on responding quickly, not worrying about faulty equipment, inefficient station locations and aging fire engines.

Has population growth also impacted CFD response times?

Yes, absolutely. The Central Fire District population has more than tripled since most local fire stations were built. The size and scope of local fire stations is severely lagging behind the growth of our community. Stations are simply too small to house the number of firefighters and paramedics needed to properly respond to calls from a community of our size.

Will Measure R help our firefighters better prepare for the growing threat of increased wildfires, flooding & extreme weather?

Yes. Extreme weather is causing more severe and frequent wildfires and flooding that are fast-moving, unpredictable and dangerous. In fact, when our area experiences a natural disaster like heavy rainfall and flooding, our aging firehouses are frequently evacuated themselves, limiting firefighters’ ability to respond in an emergency. Measure R will fund needed repairs, upgrades and modernizations to our stations to ensure they do not flood and are functional during an emergency.

How is the Central Fire District responding to these facilities needs?

The scope and scale of the needs identified in the Facilities Master Plan far exceed the Central Fire District’s current operating budget. Thus, the Board of Directors of the Central Fire District has placed an Emergency Response, Fire Protection & Facilities Improvement Bond Measure on the November 2024 ballot. This is a $221 million bond measure at a rate of $29 per $100,000 of assessed value, which pencils out to $17 per month for the average homeowner.

How will Measure R address these varied needs in our local fire stations?

Measure R provides a locally controlled source of funding entirely dedicated to improving fire protection and emergency response times in Central Fire District. It will generate $221 million in local funding to address the most urgent facilities needs in the District, helping Central Fire continue to provide fire protection and lifesaving services to the community, including:

• Ensuring that emergency services are operational during an earthquake

• Responding to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes

• Reducing 911 response times

• Increasing local fire protection services

• Supporting emergency medical services

How much does Measure R cost?

Measure R generates $221 million in local funding at a rate of $29 per $100,000 of assessed value. The assessed value of a property is based on the original purchase price and may not increase by more than 2% a year, while the market value tends to grow at a much faster rate based on market conditions. Thus, the assessed value is usually much lower than the market value, meaning that longtime homeowners will pay significantly lower rates.

Can I read the detailed investment plan for Measure R? 

Yes! Please visit this link to read the detailed funding plan for Measure R.

How can I be sure that Measure R will be spent as promised?

Measure R includes strict fiscal accountability and local control provisions to ensure that every penny is spent as promised. Accountability provisions include:  

• The state cannot touch Measure R, every penny stays local

• An independent citizens’ oversight committee guarantees funds are spent only on voter- approved projects

• Independent financial and performance audits and detailed public spending disclosures are required annually
  

Who can vote on Measure R?

All registered voters who live in the CFD district are eligible to vote on Measure R.

How many votes does Measure R need to pass?

Measure R requires two-thirds support amongst those voters who cast a ballot on the measure.  Every vote will matter in this critical election, so please be sure to vote, get involved and help spread the word!

How can I vote Yes on R?

Whether or not you typically vote at the polls, all voters will be mailed a ballot in this election the week of October 7. Once you receive your ballot, make sure you find Measure R and vote Yes, sign and seal the envelope and mail it back right away. No postage is required.

Vote sites will be open for early in-person voting and polling places will also be open on Election Day. Every vote counts for Measure R so make sure you cast your ballot! 

How can I register to vote?

You can register to vote at www.registertovote.ca.gov. 

How can I learn more about voting in the November 5 election?

If you have specific questions about your voter registration, please visit Santa Cruz County’s Registrar of Voters’ website at https://votescount.santacruzcountyca.gov