Measure S 11/03/26

Impartial analysis by City Attorney of Measure S

City of Larkspur

The City Council of the City of Larkspur placed Measure S on the November 3, 2026 ballot to ask voters to extend the existing special parcel tax for paramedic services (“tax” or “Paramedic Tax”) for an additional 4 years. The tax funds services provided by the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority (“Authority”) and will expire on June 30, 2027, unless extended by the voters.

In 1983, the voters of Larkspur, along with the other voters within the boundaries of the Authority, initially approved the Paramedic Tax. Voters have approved extensions and increases in the Paramedic Tax since that time. The Paramedic Tax was last approved by voters in 2022. The current rate of the tax is $103.50 for each residential living unit and for each 1,500 square feet of non-residential developed space, which includes a $0.50 Marin County administrative fee.

Measure ­­S would authorize continuing the Paramedic Tax for another 4 years, until 2031, when it would again have to be renewed by the voters. The Measure would set the rate for the 2027-28 tax year at $107.50 for each taxable living unit and for each 1,000 square feet of non-residential developed space, which would continue to include the $0.50 County administrative fee. It would authorize annual increases of $3.50, with a maximum rate in the fourth year of $118.

As a special tax, the Paramedic Tax is restricted to funding paramedic services, including but not limited to emergency response, training, costs of medical supplies and equipment, and replacement of ambulance transport units.

If Measure S were approved, the Paramedic Tax would terminate automatically after four years, unless extended by a subsequent vote of the voters within the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority.

A “Yes” vote is a vote to approve the extension of the Paramedic Tax for four years and authorize annual increases of up to $4, with a maximum rate not to exceed $118 in the fourth year. A “No” vote is a vote against extension of the Paramedic Tax, which will terminate automatically in June 2027 if not extended. Measure S would be approved if it received a two-thirds majority of “Yes” voters. A copy of the resolution approving the tax is included in the Voter Information Guide.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure S. If you desire a copy of the measure, please call the City Clerk’s office at (415) 927-5002 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

Sky Woodruff, City Attorney
City of Larkspur

Argument in favor of Measure S

Vote Yes on S to maintain rapid 9-1-1 emergency response times.

Since 1982 the voters of the Ross Valley have overwhelmingly supported local voter-approved funding for paramedic services. Unless renewed by voters, this funding will expire next year and local paramedic services must be reduced.

Voting Yes on S renews local paramedic funding for four more years at the current tax rate with modest annual increases of no more than $4 per year.

Voting Yes on S will:

• Maintain rapid 9-1-1 emergency response times
• Preserve the number of on- duty paramedics ready to respond to accidents and medical emergencies
• Maintain access to lifesaving emergency medical training and equipment for local paramedics

Measure S continues fiscal accountability and local control:

• All funds must stay in the Ross Valley for paramedic services only and cannot be diverted
• No funds can be taken away by the state or federal governments
• Annual audits and public spending disclosure ensure funds are spent as promised

When created 44 years ago, the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority operated a single ambulance. Today, local paramedic care is provided through state-of-the-art paramedic ambulance units with trained paramedics aboard fire engines so that advanced emergency care arrives as quickly as possible.

The Ross Valley Paramedic Authority is a partnership of eight Ross Valley communities that have combined efforts to ensure exceptional emergency medical response for the safety of our communities. While paramedic services are partially funded by collections from insurance companies and billing of nonresidents, the current level of service cannot continue without Measure S.

For victims of heart attacks, strokes, accidents, and other emergencies, rapid 9-1-1 paramedic response can be the difference between life and death. You never know when an accident or medical emergency will occur. Vote Yes on S to ensure rapid 9-1-1 paramedic response is ready when you or a loved one needs it the most.

STEPHANIE ANDRE
Mayor, City of Larkspur

SCOT CANDELL
Councilmember, City of Larkspur

RUBEN MARTIN
Fire Chief, Central Marin Fire Department

BRIDGET PETERSON
RMS Nurse Educator, Central Marin Fire Department

Argument against Measure S

No argument against Measure S was filed.