Measure DD 11/03/26

Impartial analysis by County Counsel of Measure DD

Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District

Measure DD

This Measure was placed on the ballot by the Board of Directors of the Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District.

The existing Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District special tax for funding of paramedic services through the Ross Valley Paramedic Authority is set to expire on June 30, 2027.  If this Measure is approved by two-thirds of the votes cast on this parcel tax proposal, the existing Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District parcel tax will be continued for a period of four years beginning July 1, 2027 and expiring June 30, 2031.  Beginning on July 1, 2027, the rate of the parcel tax shall be $107.50 per residential living unit or $107.50 per 1,000 square feet of developed nonresidential property. The parcel tax shall be increased by up to $4.00 per year beginning on July 1, 2028.  The Sleepy Hollow Fire Protection District estimates revenue from this Measure will average approximately $105,000 annually.

The revenue raised by this parcel tax must be placed in a special account and can only be used for the purposes stated in this Measure.  The stated purposes for the funds raised by this special tax are to maintain emergency response times and preserve the number of on-duty paramedics available to respond to emergencies.

Dated:  8/24/26

S/BRANDON W. HALTER

County Counsel

Argument in favor of Measure DD

Vote Yes on DD 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 DD renews local paramedic funding for four more years at the current tax rate with modest annual increases of no more than $4.00 per year.

Voting Yes on DD 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 DD 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 DD.

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 DD to ensure rapid 9-1-1 paramedic response is ready when you or a loved one needs it the most.

SLEEPY HOLLOW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Richard C. Shortall, Jr., Director

Jennifer Gauna, Director

Thomas J. Finn, Director

Argument against Measure DD

No argument against Measure DD was filed.