Soledad Council backs parcel tax measure to fund expanded firefighter/EMT staffing

Soledad City Council voted to support Measure A, a proposed parcel tax to fund firefighter/EMT staffing and equipment, by adopting Resolution 6353 at the meeting.

Chief Lukebach presented the case for the measure, citing a 58% increase in 911 calls over the past decade and current staffing levels of two firefighters on duty. He said the city used $500,000 in reserves in fiscal year 2025–26 and faces an estimated ongoing shortfall of about $1 million annually. "The proposed measure would levy a parcel tax $233 annually for a single-family residential parcel," Chief Lukebach said, adding the measure would scale for multiunit and nonresidential parcels and be adjusted annually for inflation up to 3%.

According to the staff presentation, all funds would be restricted to local fire services—payroll and equipment for firefighters and EMTs—subject to independent audits and oversight, and could not be taken by the state or used for other purposes. Staff and council clarified that the city contracts for personnel through Cal Fire and that the parcel tax revenue would come to the city for fire services regardless of whether the city continues that contract or returns to an in-house model.

Council discussion focused on the difficulty of relying on volunteer firefighters, differences among neighboring cities, and the operational benefits of the current Cal Fire contract (including access to a regional staffing pool and certain workers' compensation arrangements). Councilmembers stressed the importance of public outreach and education about what the measure would fund.

Outcome: Council approved Resolution 6353 supporting placement of Measure A on the June 2, 2026 ballot and directed staff to provide public information about the city's fiscal condition and the fire-department needs. The council-recorded motion carried without recorded no votes.