Council hears paramedic parcel-tax update, opts to table ballot action

The Redlands City Council heard an update on the city’s paramedic parcel tax and decided not to move forward with putting changes on a ballot at this time, effectively tabling further action.

What staff reported

Finance Director Garcia told the council that for fiscal 2025 paramedic parcel-tax revenues are projected at about $1,150,000 while program costs total roughly $1,280,000, a shortfall of about $129,800 that the general fund can currently absorb. The updated analysis also noted part of the apparent gap reflects cost allocations for firefighter-paramedics who also perform suppression duties. The staff presentation outlined steps required to pursue any future adjustment, including a cost-of-service study, voter education, and a two-thirds voter approval requirement.

Council deliberation and public input

Councilmembers expressed concern about fairness in the current flat-per-parcel levy and discussed indexing options; one councilmember described a hypothetical index by parcel size while others said the shortfall does not justify a ballot measure. Public commenters, including veterans and residents, raised questions about exemptions for some veterans and asked staff to review whether certain veteran property-tax exemptions interact with the paramedic assessment.

Decision and direction

Councilmembers agreed not to pursue a ballot measure at this time and to have staff follow up on specific questions raised, including whether county assessor exemptions for certain veterans affect liability for the paramedic assessment. The item was tabled without additional council action.