SACRAMENTO – George Runner will hold a teleconference townhall on Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. regarding the confusing and controversial Fire Prevention Fee.
“Many
of my constituents have expressed concern about the fairness and cost
of this new tax,” Runner said. “As their elected taxpayer advocate, it’s
important for me to hear their concerns and keep them apprised of the
latest developments.”
The
tele-townhall is co-sponsored by State Senator Ted Gaines and
Assemblymembers Frank Bigelow and Beth Gaines and is part of a series of
regional townhalls Board of Equalization Member Runner is holding for
taxpayers in his district.
Taxpayers
in Alpine, Amador, Calaveras and El Dorado counties are specifically
invited to participate in the May 7 teleconference event, but others are
welcome to join the call as well.
During
the call, Runner and other participating elected officials will discuss
the latest fire “fee” news, including the lawsuit and pending
legislation, and answer questions from callers.
Those who would like to participate must register by May 6 online at boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling (916) 445-3032.
Taxpayers who pre-register will receive a telephone call at the start of the event inviting them to connect to the townhall.
Nearly
800,000 California property owners—about half of whom Runner
represents—must pay the annual Fire Prevention Fee. The “fee” was
enacted by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown
in 2011.