Los Angeles County residents are once again being asked to dip into their wallets for a new parcel tax, Measure E, to raise $152 million annually for the County Fire Department. While everyone wants to ensure that our firefighters have the resources they need to protect our communities, Los Angeles County voters deserve a plan that does not raise serious concerns about transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the county’s willingness to manage its existing $46 billion budget effectively.
First, let’s be clear: L.A. County residents already pay a special parcel tax to support the fire department. Passed in 1997, this tax started at $48 per year for single-family homeowners and now costs over $94 annually, adjusted for inflation. This tax, which is still in place, has no sunset date, and Measure E would add yet another “forever” tax, also increasing by up to 2% per year. How many times can taxpayers be asked to fund what should already be a priority in the county’s budget?
The lack of transparency is startling but perpetuates the Board’s modus operandi. Why is the county not allocating funds for critical emergency services from its massive $46 billion budget? With $1.6 billion already going to the fire department annually, it begs the question: where is the money going, and why isn’t it enough? Instead of showing accountability and reworking priorities within the existing budget, the county is opting for the easy way out—asking taxpayers for more money.
Moreover, the measure doesn’t impact the City of Los Angeles, which has its own fire department. That leaves millions of residents in the county, already shouldering the burden of multiple taxes, paying for services that do not produce any form of tangible benefi for their community.
Supporters of Measure E emphasize that the funds will be used solely for fire department operations and not for pension or workers’ compensation obligations. However, the reality is that money is fungible. While Measure E’s revenues may go toward operations, it frees up other parts of the budget for rising pension costs. For context, in 2012-13, the fire department’s pension costs were $57.1 million; by now, they’ve more than doubled to nearly $135 million. Additionally, retiree health insurance costs are $39 million and climbing. With so much money being directed toward compensation and retirement benefits, it’s no wonder the county is struggling to fund essential services.
This pattern of continually asking for tax hikes is unsustainable. Just like individual households, local governments must learn to live within their means. L.A. County must stop looking to taxpayers as a never-ending source of revenue. The county’s leadership must demonstrate that they can effectively manage their current resources, rather than treating every fiscal shortfall as an excuse to impose a new tax.
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Public safety is indeed a key priority, but that priority must be reflected in the way the county allocates its existing resources. L.A. County has more than enough revenue to fund the fire department without imposing yet another tax on its residents. It’s time for the county to get serious about managing its finances, not passing the buck to taxpayers once again.
The cost of living in Los Angeles is already sky-high, with rising taxes and inflation squeezing household budgets. Adding a new tax on top of the existing burden is irresponsible, especially when the county has shown it has the means to fund essential services if it just prioritized its budget properly.
It’s time to tell the county that enough is enough. They’ve repeatedly come to the voters asking for more, yet fail to demonstrate long-term fiscal responsibility. We support our fire department, but we must ensure that the county supervisors do so within their means. Vote no on Measure E to demand a better solution that truly prioritizes the public safety its residents deserve—without perpetually raising taxes.
Aidan Chao is the founder and Chairman of the Los Angeles County Taxpayers Association and CALHaven. He also serves as an advisor and political strategist on multiple LA-based campaigns and boards.