Pass: 1561 / 91.9% Yes votes ...... 137 / 8.1% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Impartial Analysis

Impartial Analysis by County Counsel, Measure N2014, Montecito Fire Protection District initiative

Proposition 4 (the Gann I) added Article XIII B to the State Constitution. Article XIII B established limits on a government's ability to spend its tax revenues. Voters have authority under Article XIII B to approve or continue changes in the spending limit by a majority popular vote for a period not to exceed four years from the most recent vote approving or continuing a change in the spending limit.
In November 1987, Montecito Fire Protection District voters approved Measure P, establishing the District's authority to spend its tax revenues as approved in 1987. The last voter approval occurred in July 2010, when District voters approved Measure M2010, again extending the District's authority through fiscal year 2013-2014. In order for the District's spending authority to continue, the law requires that the District's spending authority be approved by the voters every four years.
This measure was placed on the ballot by the governing body of the District and, if approved, will continue the Montecito Fore Protection District's current authority to spend its tax revenues through fiscal year 2017-2018. The district is requesting voter approval in order to be able to continue to meet its current operating costs which are more than the limits otherwise allowed under Proposition 4. If this measure fails, the District's current spending limits will be reduced. Such reduction may result in lower tax rates in the future and will reduce the funds available to continue the District's current level of service for fire protection and suppression, rescue and emergency medical services.
This measure does not affect the limitations on property taxes imposed by Proposition 13 and supplemental legislation (Article XIII A of the State Constitution); it will not increase existing tax rates, and no new taxes are proposed.

Gustavo E. Lavayen, Deputy County Counsel

Google News Search

• Your can download the Public Exam Packet for Measure N2014 (pdf) at http://www.sbcassessor.com/Elections/UpcomingElections.aspx