This evening is the deadline for property owners in the Fortuna Fire Protection District to vote up or down on the district’s proposed new fire assessment fees. There will be a meeting tonight at the district’s main station on South Fortuna Boulevard, which will mark the last chance for property owners to get their ballots in.

The district has a pretty complete FAQ on the assessment here, but briefly: It would add a certain amount to the tax bills of all property owners in the district, depending on the property characteristics. A single-family home in Fortuna, for instance, would see its annual fire assessment rise from $12 per year (currently) to $72 per year (if the current assessment proposal passes). The money will mainly be used to fund a fire prevention program, with inspections and code enforcement capabilities, and to train and retain volunteer firefighers. 

All property owners in the Fortuna Fire Protection District can vote. Not sure if your property is in the district? If it’s in Fortuna, Alton or the greater Hydesville area, it probably is. Check the map below, beneath the message from Fortuna Fire.

From the Fortuna Fire Protection District:

A public hearing before the Board of Commissioners of the Fortuna Fire Protection District will be held on Monday, October 19, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fortuna Fire Main Station, 320 South Fortuna Blvd. The public hearing marks the end of the voting period for the proposed assessment, which would fund a comprehensive fire prevention program, and cost-effective staffing and training programs for volunteers. 

Members of the public are invited to attend the hearing and comment on the Fire District’s proposed assessment. In order to be counted, all ballots must be signed and marked with the property owner’s support or opposition and returned prior to the close of the public hearing. 

Replacement ballots will be available at the hearing to replace lost ballots or if a change of vote 
is requested.