Skip to Content
Remaining Ad Time Ad - 00:00

Measure to fund Five Cities Fire in Oceano coming up short

M A20 oceano
Naja Hill / KCOY

OCEANO, Calif. - A tax measure that was presented to Oceano voters as a way for the city to remain part of the Five Cities Fire Authority has not yet received enough votes to pass, despite a strong majority of voters who supported it.

Oceano's proposed Measure A20 would increase burdens on property owners in order to ensure the city stays under Five Cities Fire Authority protection.

On Wednesday, with all precincts reporting, support for the measure reached 63 percent, a large majority, but not enough to reach the two-thirds threshold needed to pass.

The money would be used to fund Oceano's portion of service from Five Cities Fire. Other cities covered by the Five Cities Fire Authority had looked to revoke Oceano from the coverage area due to a perceived "unfair" financial burden on surrounding cities.

Without this funding, the community would have to leave the agency's protection.

During its first year, the Measure A20 tax would cost property owners $180 per parcel within Oceano. It would go up 2% every year after that.

The Oceano Community Services District assured voters that even if the measure does not pass, they will still receive help for emergency calls.

They said the closest available fire truck would answer the call.

Will Clemens, General Manager of the Oceano Community Services District, said that "what it really comes down to is the second call." The closest truck could be further away for a second or third emergency in the same time period.

Changes will not happen immediately.

"Oceano will cease to be a member of Five Cities Fire Authority, effective June 30th, 2021," said Clemens. After that, "the district will have to determine how best to provide those services to the community," he said.

Cal Fire could step in to fill those services. They have a 3,200 square mile service area.

For the most up-to-date results, click here.

Article Topic Follows: Local Politics

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Anikka Abbott

Anikka Abbott is a weather anchor and reporter for News Channel 3-12. To learn more about Anikka, click here.

Author Profile Photo

Jessica Brest

Jessica Brest is a digital journalist and assignment editor for NewsChannel 3-12. To learn more about Jessica, click here.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content