ABOUT THE MEASURE

The Public Safety for Sierra Madre Measure is a citizen-led initiative to raise the necessary funds to keep Sierra Madre safe. Without additional funding, our police and fire departments could be at risk of closing and being outsourced to county agencies.

 

The measure raises over $2 million over the next 7 years by issuing a parcel tax on lots throughout the city. These funds would be subject to strict auditing that protects your tax dollars and ensures that funds stay in Sierra Madre to keep our city safe.

Why Do We Need the Public Safety for Sierra Madre Measure?

Sierra Madre is one of the safest communities in California because of our city’s police officers and firefighters. Over the years, the rising cost of police and fire services has put a strain on our public safety professionals. Without additional funding, our city’s public safety could be at risk of being outsourced or contracted out to other agencies due to inadequate staffing levels. This would decrease the quality of services that keep Sierra Madre safe.

We must act now. The Public Safety for Sierra Madre Measure addresses long-term problems and challenges of maintaining our police and fire departments by:

  • Maintaining the FASTEST 911 response times, every second counts!

  • Preventing reductions in services vital to our town

  • Attracting and retaining the best-trained and experienced police officers, firefighters, and paramedics

  • Ensuring 100% of funds stay in local Sierra Madre control

  • Providing taxpayer oversight to ensure accountability and transparency.

How Are the Funds Raised?

Funds are raised through a levy charge on qualified parcels in Sierra Madre at the following rates:

  • $480 a year for Single Family Residential (87% of Sierra Madre)

  • $576 a year for Multiple Residential (8% of Sierra Madre)

  • $660 a year for Commercial (5% of Sierra Madre)

The measure includes exemptions of low-income senior citizens, very low-income households, and qualifying religious organizations or schools.

How Does the Measure Protect Taxpayers?

Your tax dollars are important. That is why the Public Safety for Sierra Madre Measure includes safeguards to protect taxpayers and provide full transparency by requiring strict yearly auditing. Funds generated by the measure can only be used for police and fire services. They cannot go into our city’s general fund or be used by outside agencies or government bodies.