The District has received awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) by the Government Finance Officers Association. This recognition is for ACFRs that achieve the highest standards in government accounting and financial reporting. Please see below for more information. 

Ordinance 91-1 established a special tax to augment funding of paramedic/ambulance services, fire suppression, and prevention services, and passed with over a two-thirds majority of the voters in November of 1991.  The tax is assessed on all residential and commercial/industrial properties located within the District’s boundaries, and calculated on structural square footage, which includes garages.  Section III of Ordinance 91-1 provides that the District Board of Directors shall determine annually, based upon a budget recommended to it, whether the basic tax rate shall be revised to reflect changes in charges and costs.

In March of 2002, the Ordinance was amended with approval by more than two thirds of the voters to increase the special tax up to 6 cents per square foot on residential structures, and up to 9 cents per square foot on commercial and industrial structures.  This amendment permitted the special tax to be adjusted annually for inflation.  Every year the tax rates are set and approved by resolution of the District Board.  There are no exemptions based on age.

Measure C Ballot Information can be found here.

Q: What basis does the Fire District have for imposing a tax?

A: The Novato Fire Protection District voters passed Measure D in 1991, and Measure C in 2001 with more than 2/3 of the voted in favor of allowing the Fire District to collect a tax for revenue.

Q: How is the tax set?

A: Resolution number 2014-4 was passed by the Novato Fire Protection District Board of Directors to set the current rates.

Q: What are the current tax rates?

A: The current tax rate for Residential properties is 8.16 cents per square foot. The current tax rate for Commercial/Industrial properties is 12.23 cents per square foot.

Q: Is there an exemption for senior citizens?

A: There are no exemptions based on age. The rate is based on square footage of either residential or commercially owned property.

Q: Is my garage included in the square footage calculation?

A: The calculation of tax is based upon structural square feet, which includes garages.

Q: Where can I view my property’s square footage?

A: Information regarding your tax bill and property may be found at the County of Marin website. Use this link for the current measurement of your property’s square footage. You will need your parcel number from your property tax bill.