The new, tall dorms. File photo: Stephanie McGeary.

REPORT:

###

Press release from the Humboldt County Grand Jury:

The Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury has released the sixth report of their 2023-2024 term, entitled Arcata Fire District: Dwindling Resources = Dwindling Services.

Two dormitories housing up to 964 students at the California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt (CalPoly), which will be the tallest buildings in Humboldt County, are under construction in Arcata. The recently approved Arcata Gateway Area Plan will mandate that some new construction be within five and seven stories tall. The advent of tall and densely populated buildings led the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury to inquire into the abilities of the Arcata Fire District (District) to provide services to the people living in these structures.

This led to a larger investigation of District finances, resulting in the conclusion that without action the District will be in dire financial straits, will not be able to maintain the current level of service, and will not be able to provide adequate services to a growing population.

The District serves about 37,000 residents and covers sixty-two square miles, including the communities of Arcata, Bayside, Manila, and McKinleyville. The terrain includes flat pastureland, forested hillsides, and a growing, more densely populated core. Buildings range from small, isolated single-family homes to multi-level apartment buildings. Three stations, staffed with two professional firefighters each, provide around-the-clock coverage.

The Arcata Fire District is a special district created and funded by the people it serves and protects. For revenue, it receives about 40% from property tax. 55% of revenue comes from a combination of a 2006 special assessment and Measure F, a 2020 special tax, both approved by the voters of the district. With development property tax grows somewhat, and the other 55% in revenue grows more slowly – there are no built-in mechanisms for keeping up with inflation. CalPoly, by law, does not contribute financially to the District, but does receive services. Measure F expires in 2030. Demand for services is on the rise. The City of Arcata forecasts its population will increase 60% from 2025 to 2045, and taller buildings require specialized equipment such as a ladder truck, which the District does not possess. Revenues are flat while costs rise and equipment ages. Increasing revenue is a difficult process. To maintain current levels of service, district taxpayers will need to cover the full cost of fire protection to keep up with inflation. To provide services for new buildings and a higher population, even more funding will be needed.

This report explains current benefits to district residents, upcoming demands for service, and the need for Arcata Fire District voters to consider what level of fire and emergency protection they desire and are willing to pay for.

The 2024-2025 term for the Civil Gand Jury is right around the corner, and the Superior Court is seeking more jurors. If you want to serve your community in a unique way that could improve local government this is your opportunity. Applications to serve on the Humboldt County Civil Grand Jury can be found at this link. Additional information provided by the Civil Grand Jurors Association of California can be found at https://cgja.org/.