Where Your Tax Money Goes

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Where Your Tax Money Goes

Every dollar collected through property and sales taxes helps ensure that East County Fire Department (ESD 7) can provide professional, high-quality emergency services to our community. Firefighting and emergency response require significant resources, from highly trained personnel to state-of-the-art equipment and well-maintained facilities. Below is a breakdown of where your tax dollars go and how they contribute to keeping our community safe.

The Cost of Fire & Emergency Services

Expense Category

Estimated Cost

Firefighter Bunker Gear & Equipment

$15,000 per firefighter (helmet, coat, pants, boots, gloves, hood, SCBA)

Personal Life-Saving Equipment

$8,000 per firefighter (oxygen tank, mask, harness, radios, thermal imaging camera)

Fire Engine (Pumper Truck)

$750,000 - $1,000,000

Ladder Truck (Aerial Apparatus)

$1.5 million - $2 million

Brush Truck (Wildfire Response)

$200,000 - $350,000

Station Operations & Maintenance

$50,000 - $150,000 per year (utilities, repairs, upkeep)

Firefighter Training & Certifications

$5,000 - $10,000 per firefighter annually

Firefighter Salaries & Benefits

Varies (based on staffing levels and experience)

Fuel & Vehicle Maintenance

$100,000+ annually (for apparatus and response vehicles)

Dispatch & Emergency Communications

$75,000+ annually (radios, software, maintenance)

Community Outreach & Fire Prevention Programs

$25,000+ annually (education, school visits, smoke alarm programs)

Why These Investments Matter

  • Safety First: Outfitting firefighters with modern protective gear and life-saving equipment ensures they can perform their duties safely and effectively.
  • Rapid Response: Well-maintained stations, vehicles, and communication systems allow us to respond quickly to emergencies, reducing damage and saving lives.
  • Fire Prevention & Education: A portion of funding goes toward fire safety education and prevention efforts, helping to reduce risks before emergencies occur.
  • Long-Term Community Protection: Investing in state-of-the-art equipment and ongoing training ensures we are always prepared for any emergency.

 

Your tax dollars are essential in funding these critical services. Every investment made supports the safety, security, and well-being of our community. Thank you for your continued support of East County Fire Department (ESD 7).