Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Runner to Hold Fire Fee Tele-Townhall

SACRAMENTO – George Runner will hold a teleconference townhall on Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m. regarding the confusing and controversial Fire Prevention Fee.

“Many of my constituents have expressed concern about the fairness and cost of this new tax,” Runner said. “As their elected taxpayer advocate, it’s important for me to hear their concerns and keep them apprised of the latest developments.”

The tele-townhall is co-sponsored by State Senator Ted Gaines and Assemblymembers Frank Bigelow and Beth Gaines and is part of a series of regional townhalls Board of Equalization Member Runner is holding for taxpayers in his district.

Taxpayers in Alpine, Amador, Calaveras and El Dorado counties are specifically invited to participate in the May 7 teleconference event, but others are welcome to join the call as well.

During the call, Runner and other participating elected officials will discuss the latest fire “fee” news, including the lawsuit and pending legislation, and answer questions from callers.

Those who would like to participate must register by May 6 online at boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling (916) 445-3032.

Taxpayers who pre-register will receive a telephone call at the start of the event inviting them to connect to the townhall.

Nearly 800,000 California property owners—about half of whom Runner represents—must pay the annual Fire Prevention Fee. The “fee” was enacted by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in 2011.

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. Runner keeps taxpayers informed of the latest fire tax news and information at calfirefee.com.