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Board approves raising property tax share for Valley Center, Deer Springs fire districts to 6%
Summary
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to raise property tax allocations for the Valley Center and Deer Springs Fire Protection Districts to 6% effective fiscal year 2025-26, a move supporters said will fund stations, apparatus and staffing; Vice Chair Tara Lawson Reamer voted no.
Supervisor Jim Desmond and the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a transfer of property tax revenues that raises the Valley Center and Deer Springs Fire Protection District allocations to 6% of the local property tax roll, effective fiscal year 2025–26.
The measure, intended to boost funding for station projects, apparatus replacement and daily staffing, passed 3–1. Supervisor Joel Anderson, Supervisor Montgomery Stepp and Supervisor Jim Desmond voted in favor; Vice Chair Tara Lawson Reamer recorded the lone no vote.
The change responds to requests by both districts to correct long-standing low allocations established after Proposition 13. Andrew Strong, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, told the board the reallocation follows required hearings by the districts and conforms with state Government Code section 99(o)(2). Jeff Collins, director of County Fire, said the county can transfer a portion of property tax allocation to another local government agency under that code section.
Valley Center and Deer Springs were receiving just over 2% prior to the action. Joe Napier, fire chief for the Valley Center Fire Protection District, told the board the districts have grown substantially and need additional funding: "Valley Center Fire Protection District ran over 2,200 calls last year," Napier said, noting mutual aid and regional demands.
Supporters said the increase will fund long‑planned improvements including a permanent station and equipment replacement and will help raise basic service parity with other districts; opponents cautioned about transferring county tax base dollars amid broader budget shortfalls.
The board directed the county auditor-controller to adjust allocations for fiscal 2025–26. Staff told supervisors the October 2024 board action that initiated related CAL FIRE paramedic engine funding remains in place and will proceed through separate agency steps.
The item was presented as a resolution and adopted by roll call vote. The motion to adopt was made by Supervisor Jim Desmond and seconded by Supervisor Montgomery Stepp. The board instructed staff to implement the tax apportionment change and to coordinate the technical steps with the auditor-controller.
