[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6467899,"mediaKeyId","5783895-ae03bd8e77868d0e67d4df2abf3c8b81","parentId",5783895,"title","Big Bear Fire Authority directs staff to draft proposed Community Facilities District after months of debate","audioSeconds",2693,"startMs",1759000,"endMs",4452000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783895-ae03bd8e77868d0e67d4df2abf3c8b81&start=1759&end=4452","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783895-ae03bd8e77868d0e67d4df2abf3c8b81/thumbnail_1759000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6467899/Big-Bear-Lake/San-Bernardino-County/California/Big-Bear-Fire-Authority-directs-staff-to-draft-proposed-Community-Facilities-District-after-months-of-debate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467899-fd082258e87acdf4d41c50c76b8af5cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135212&Signature=Pb37dDRHNXqUSqtPRKe~kwp1BX~2ajF5ppifqYEGXbqBuWU5M1XMSP0dBv-fLpnlNDrWaOmNUEcwvOhj4ta7ob3vgRyPMYCEtYDy3~gDcYswwsYWDYSClY-Xs7irA-vOaF38yHgndOJnhpobzW7xalMn7kmfK~HdvOfxfxptXa-25gZmeUYmfS~MUV1VVwqFwtWXsmtfIIwp25d3ApCC3xNhr21PBhEhV-U6zw2ZgVGMrd0kkXrlo1UZJ4~w3z8mvg0WPdHHPk1bAQRlzXMGZ7asjcU0gFUc8t1mZYrDiQDipO5zJ~dpXLosGw7hRWHOc1Z4w2IkMgcX-hG2KQeaJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author"," City of Big Bear Lake, CA","date","2025-09-18T04:18:37.24Z","article","The Big Bear Fire Authority on Aug. 12 voted to direct staff to prepare a proposed Community Facilities District (CFD), a form of special tax commonly used in California (often called Mello-Roos), and to return a draft for the board’s review.

Directors debated the proposal for more than an hour. Proponents said a CFD is a long-term funding tool to help pay for additional staffing, apparatus and facilities the district may need over decades. Opponents and some realtors warned that levying an ongoing special tax on new development could deter investment or be perceived as inequitable if residential lots are included.

Staff and consultants told the board the district’s standard-of-cover review — a data-driven analysis of call volumes, station locations, staffing and response times — is expected in November or December and would inform exact CFD needs and amounts. Still, some directors said staff and the ad hoc committee had already developed cost estimates and that delaying would risk missing development opportunities.

The motion the board approved directed staff to “put together a proposed CFD based on all the work that has already been done and bring it back to us for either approval or denial or tweaks to it,” with a target to return a proposal at the next board meeting. Staff clarified that an initial board action could adopt policies and procedures governing a CFD before a final rate resolution would be set in a later meeting.

Key points from the discussion

- Scope options: Staff said a CFD can be structured for commercial property only, residential only, or both. Staff and directors discussed the pros and cons of limiting an initial district to commercial property; some speakers urged that approach to reduce pushback from residential property owners and realtors.
- Timeline and flexibility: Staff said it could take roughly two to three months of meeting time to complete initial policy steps and bring back a concrete draft; the standard-of-cover report is due in November–December, and staff suggested the board could refine any draft when that report arrives.
- Use of funds: Counsel and staff explained that funds from a facilities CFD must be used for facilities, while a services CFD affords more flexibility, including potential use for personnel; a future board would decide allocation. Staff emphasized that CFD revenues typically materialize slowly as development occurs and should be viewed as a long-term supplement rather than an immediate fix for operating deficits.
- Public concerns: Realtors and residents appeared at the meeting. Some realtors argued a residential CFD could make vacant residential lots harder to sell; other community commenters and several directors argued that commercial-only CFD options were more politically and practically defensible.

Vote and next steps

The board voted to direct staff to prepare a proposed CFD and return it for board consideration. The motion passed by roll call; one director recorded a “no” vote during the recorded roll call. Staff were directed to return a draft policy and proposed CFD structure at the next board meeting and to continue outreach to stakeholders, including realtors and developers.

Why this matters

The board’s direction starts a multi-step public process that could lead to a new, ongoing revenue stream for capital and service needs. If approved in future proceedings and adopted, a CFD would remain on property tax bills and generate revenue as new parcels or developments are annexed into the district; revenues typically accumulate over years.

Clarifying details

- Standard-of-cover report expected: November–December (staff estimate).
- Staff timing: staff said some policy steps could be returned to the board within about two months; the motion asked for a proposed draft at the next meeting.
- Vote outcome: motion to direct staff passed by roll call; one director voted \"no.\" The board did not adopt any CFD rate or final resolution on Aug. 12.

Ending

With the motion approved, staff will prepare a proposed CFD and related policy materials and return them to the board for consideration. Directors and staff emphasized the draft could be adjusted after the standard-of-cover report arrives.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Big Bear Lake Fire Authority Meeting August 12th 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After an extended discussion about options and potential impacts, the board voted to direct staff to prepare a proposed Community Facilities District (CFD, commonly called Mello-Roos) based on existing analyses and bring the proposal back for board consideration at a future meeting.","taxTitle","Big Bear Lake, San Bernardino County, California","taxId",58382,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6467904,"Fire authority approves amended $1-per-year lease with Big Bear Airport for air ambulance base",274,1582000,1856000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783895-ae03bd8e77868d0e67d4df2abf3c8b81&start=1582&end=1856","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783895-ae03bd8e77868d0e67d4df2abf3c8b81/thumbnail_1582000.jpg","/articles/6467904/Big-Bear-Lake/San-Bernardino-County/California/Fire-authority-approves-amended-1-per-year-lease-with-Big-Bear-Airport-for-air-ambulance-base","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467904-80d1b7a4b872ca3b82e812954316a315/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135212&Signature=ULFD9SJg6PzoX9ozGsZTe4U~-NDqhu940PvjvibyfHei40HoIgxXlIZiep-FiUWNzLK7bQzLSRYNASh6FEINK4WNq20MckYZW4vV0F41WSu7DQxBE8~8U-Kd14Mjc4159YugAvHp9h8AbUyyCN2l8vEtxE7nfEVsZEbMN~hxsiX~LwHjEKDUlHaYH9alfhB2mOSSq5mCr2npcSE9xeNdiBd25-zUjjEuFY4F9PKxFv7TvEx-I~ybHN2553PG6qKmSXb4ge1M9DwW62itI7ISa~4Hdh-POJULJkZN3Dlj2MSU-1V8pm1~Ry4Y-vGCxvI9~NU5Mp2j2G2eix3oPzL73w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Big Bear Fire Authority voted Aug. 12 to approve an amended and restated lease with the Big Bear Airport District to keep Air Methods’ helicopter base on airport property.

Chief Wagner told the board that the original lease dated to 2017 and that staff and the airport’s general manager negotiated only modest changes. The lease continues a nominal rent of $1 per year and includes a maintenance contribution the authority had paid historically of $800 per month (about $9,600 per year) with a new cap that stops contributions once maintenance expenses reach $30,000.

During discussion a director asked whether the agreement included a cash rent; Chief Wagner confirmed the $1 rent. No public speakers raised objection during the agenda item. A motion to approve the lease was moved and seconded; the board approved the measure by roll-call vote.

Why this matters: the lease preserves in-place air medical transport capability in Big Bear Valley by maintaining the base used by the air ambulance service. The maintenance-cap cap limits the authority’s long-term exposure to rising upkeep costs while preserving the arrangement that supports on-scene air medical response.

Vote and implementation

The board approved the lease by roll call. Staff were directed to finalize the lease with the airport and continue coordination with the air medical provider.

Clarifying details

- Historical rent: $1 per year (nominal).
- Maintenance contribution: previously $800 per month (~$9,600 annually); lease adds a stop-loss cap at $30,000 total maintenance contributions.

Proper names and authorities

The agreement is between the Big Bear Fire Authority and the Big Bear Airport District and affects the Air Methods air medical transport base. The lease is a contract between those agencies.

Ending

Board members approved the amended lease during the Aug. 12 meeting; staff will execute the agreement and monitor maintenance costs under the new cap.","The Big Bear Fire Authority approved an amended and restated lease with the Big Bear Airport District that continues a $1 annual rent for the Air Methods helicopter base and caps maintenance contributions at $30,000.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6467908,"Big Bear Fire Authority faces mounting pressure as budget remains unapproved; firefighters warn of staffing and safety impacts",1041,557000,1598000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5783895-ae03bd8e77868d0e67d4df2abf3c8b81&start=557&end=1598","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5783895-ae03bd8e77868d0e67d4df2abf3c8b81/thumbnail_557000.jpg","/articles/6467908/Big-Bear-Lake/San-Bernardino-County/California/Big-Bear-Fire-Authority-faces-mounting-pressure-as-budget-remains-unapproved-firefighters-warn-of-staffing-and-safety-impacts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6467908-7244a0a0288b73238714d56b8fd1be15/orig.mp4?Expires=1771135212&Signature=Fv5iu9I2ptbDRgFD5QVyn4ETRlf-UDAdAQszNVGIPGrA89pYy8Qu7jNehbHhD9ofEDxKG8OXxTOhsmknMsfos22UveD5keBTn35g1jureXlF3VSTl-5SqfX8u4~zTVf-k3FeMvzTvph9R2YICYo6E6nNxS3HIxVt5vdkuiB7ykwdcCM3PnaSnGOE5GUuSTmEu8lo~iGzcdYRLjKuo1Vbs~9pv-CqjYDlXhy5~zjxiHbm6~3UzIkXUqZ5ruj73Ai-U2BBvajBcsgnZ4ruyOdzzIPCyO9mwXtTjig-6qVIbLluWWSeWQv4p5oDRSTTEHDoMNbugDYZ0m2tFmFRRLoahw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public comment at the Aug. 12 meeting of the Big Bear Fire Authority centered on the unresolved 2025–26 budget and strained morale within the department.

At the meeting, resident Britannia Huether told the board, “This board is the one that broke this department,” accusing directors of ignoring written warnings and failing to pass a budget. Patrice Duncan, another resident speaker, asked why the budget was not on the agenda and urged transparency, saying the repeated delays send “a message to your new chief as well as your fire department of no confidence.” Firefighter-paramedic Andrew Craig described operational consequences, saying the authority is relying on last year’s budget and that a physician who provides a DEA license for narcotics procurement is currently working without a contract.

The finance officer, Kristen (Finance Officer), presented preliminary fiscal-year cash-basis figures as of June 30 and told the board that year-end adjustments are ongoing. Kristen said revenues finished roughly 1% under budget for fiscal year 2024–25 and expenses were about 3% over budget largely because of reimbursable mutual-aid salaries tied to an active fire season. In response to a director’s question, Kristen said the ambulance service showed a roughly $1 million deficit for the year, noting that the number is preliminary and subject to accrual adjustments.

Why this matters: board members, staff and the public said the budget impasse is already affecting operations. Multiple speakers linked staffing reductions and resource strain to the lack of an adopted budget. Public commenters and several directors said the current uncertainty is preventing contract renewals, training purchases and timely staffing adjustments.

Board response and next steps

Directors and staff discussed next steps at length during the finance-committee and general-board portions of the meeting. Board members asked for concrete, line-item feedback to the finance committee rather than general objections; one director proposed that members identify specific budget line items they want changed and forward those to the finance committee for consideration. Staff said they would schedule another finance-committee meeting and attempt to bring a budget proposal back to the full board at an upcoming meeting.

The meeting record shows no final board vote on the operating budget on Aug. 12. Directors and members of the public repeatedly urged faster progress; speakers on both sides of the CFD (Community Facilities District) debate said a resolved operating budget would help the authority plan its longer-term funding strategy.

Clarifying details from the meeting

- Ambulance service deficit: described by finance officer Kristen as about $1,000,000 for the fiscal year (preliminary; subject to accruals).
- Timing for audited/adjusted year-end numbers: staff said some accrual work typically takes a couple of months after June 30.
- Public-comment time limit: 3 minutes per speaker, per the meeting notice.

Context

Multiple speakers connected the budget delay to earlier staffing reductions and a reported drop in daily engine staffing from 13 to 10 personnel. Commenters said that unresolved negotiations and deferred contracts have tangible effects on daily operations. Several directors urged members of the board to submit specific amendment requests to the finance committee so staff can produce a version of the budget that can be voted on at a future meeting.

Ending

No budget vote occurred during the Aug. 12 meeting. Directors instructed staff and the finance committee to continue work and to return proposals so the board can act at a future meeting. Staff also said they will follow up on specific line-item questions raised by board members.

","Public commenters and fire personnel criticized the board for repeatedly delaying approval of the 2025–26 budget. The authority’s finance officer said preliminary year-end numbers show a roughly $1 million deficit in ambulance service revenue, and speakers urged the board and finance committee to present a clear plan for action.","actionData","errors"]

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Big Bear Fire Authority directs staff to draft proposed Community Facilities District after months of debate

Fire authority approves amended $1-per-year lease with Big Bear Airport for air ambulance base

Big Bear Fire Authority faces mounting pressure as budget remains unapproved; firefighters warn of staffing and safety impacts