Measure on the ballot in the 2020 California General Election in Berkeley.
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Get StartedA "YES" vote on Measure FF is a vote in favor to authorize the City of Berkeley to enact a $0.1047 per square foot of improvements tax to improve emergency response and preparedness services.
A "NO" vote on Measure FF is a vote against authorizing the City of Berkeley to enact a $0.1047 per square foot of improvements tax to improve emergency response and preparedness services.
"Berkeley’s emergency medical, fire and ambulance capabilities must be expanded to meet 21st century challenges. 911 calls have grown dramatically in Berkeley, more than doubling over the last 25 years. To meet these needs, we need modern equipment, new technology, and additional firefighters and paramedics.", in support of Measure FF (Learn more)
"Our population is aging, and closure of Alta Bates Hospital will require patients to be transported further away, tying up ambulances and staff. Alameda County cut funding for first responder and ambulance calls, and COVID-19 has reduced revenues at a time when emergency and mental health services are in higher demand.", in support of Measure FF (Learn more)
"With climate change, fires are burning with greater intensity, blowing embers and burning neighborhoods far from front lines. Earthquakes remain a danger, with the Hayward Fault overdue for a major event. Berkeley must be prepared to manage these multiple emergencies simultaneously." , in support of Measure FF (Learn more)
"This is a TERRIBLE time to double taxes for struggling taxpayers. Berkeley Taxpayers already give the Fire Department $8 Million/ year with three assessments for Fire and Paramedic. Now the City wants to DOUBLE those assessments to $16 Million in the middle of the Covid 19-related recession! Berkeley Taxpayers ALREADY pay for Fire and Paramedic with Measure GG since 2008. The City FAILED to set aside funds for a disaster. The City needs to provide accountability!", in opposition to Measure FF (Learn more)
"Another glaring problem with this tax is that the City insists on the continued use of the faulty dwelling square footage database to do the calculations. The City Council knows the ongoing property assessments are WRONG and refuses to correct them. Many property assessments are astonishingly wrong! The Average taxpayers should not subsidize mansions or landlords.", in opposition to Measure FF (Learn more)
"Worst of all, this expensive tax does not guarantee the vulnerable public with promised benefits. This Measure admits that the purpose of this TAX will be changed. Berkeley’s BIG Problem is Pension Deficits. The City reserves the right to divert this tax to its Pension Funds. In a short time, the City WILL divert this tax to unfunded Pensions.", in opposition to Measure FF (Learn more)
Shall an ordinance enacting a tax at a rate of $0.1047 per square foot of improvements, which is estimated to generate $8.5 million annually for firefighting, emergency medical response, 9-1-1 communications services, hazard mitigation and wildfire prevention and preparedness, until repealed by voters, be adopted?
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