When the California state legislature passed the cap and trade bill recently, one of the provisions in the bill suspended the fire prevention fee for property owners in rural areas, including many here in the Morongo Basin. The fire prevention fee helps pay the costs of firefighting in state responsibility areas. Most property owners pay less than $200 a year for each habitable structure on their property. But while payment of the fee has been suspended for fiscal year 2017-18, property owners must still pay the fee for fiscal years 2011-12 through 2016-17. Property owners who wish to protest a bill can call CalFire at 888-310-6447. The fee may be paid online, or by mailing it to:
Special Taxes and Fees Remittance Processing
California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
PO Box 942881
Sacramento, CA 94279-2525
WHILE CURRENT FIRE FEES ARE SUSPENDED, PAST FEES ARE DUE
