George Runner

BOE Member George Runner will hold two telephone townhalls regarding the confusing and controversial Fire Prevention Fee. They are part of a series of regional townhalls Runner is holding for taxpayers throughout his district.

The first town hall, on Wednesday, August 28 at 6 p.m., will be for residents of Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera and Tulare counties.

A few weeks later, on Tuesday, September 17 at 6 p.m., a second event will be held for residents of Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties.

“Many individuals share my concern about the fairness and cost of this new tax,” Runner said. “These townhalls are an important way to connect with my constituents, answer their questions, provide information and discuss issues and problems with the fee.”

The two upcoming townhalls are co-sponsored by State Senators Tom Berryhill, Anthony Cannella and Steve Knight, and Assemblymembers Connie Conway, Frank Bigelow, Kristin Olsen, Shannon Grove, Jim Patterson and Scott Wilk.

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.

Members of the public who would like to participate should register at least 24 hours in advance at boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling one of the phone numbers listed below:

August 28th Event

Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera and Tulare counties.

Register at online at boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling (916) 445-3032.

September 17th Event

Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties.

Register at online at boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling (916) 324-4970.

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.