The Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a $400,000 loan to the cash-strapped Idyllwild Fire Protection District to cover personnel and other expenses that cannot be deferred until the state distributes the district’s share of Riverside County property tax revenue.
In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board authorized allocation of the funding, as it has done at the district’s request for the last decade.
According to county Executive Office documents, the $400,000 is roughly 85% of what the district is expecting to receive when the state disburses property tax receipts in January.
“The district reports limited funds and revenues are available for the payment of expenditures,” according to an EO statement posted to the board’s policy agenda. “The district’s request for the advancement may contribute toward the district’s ability to provide services to the residents and businesses in their service area.”
Under the terms of the cash advance contract, the county will have claim on the district’s tax receipts until the loan is repaid in full, with interest.
The Idyllwild Fire Protection District employs 10 full-time firefighters, including the chief, as well as a part-time assistant. There is also an active reserve firefighter program in place.
Personnel provide paramedic services in Idyllwild and the immediate surrounding area, including the community of Pine Cove. The 5-square-mile district is not under Cal Fire’s jurisdiction, but the two agencies frequently coordinate fire attack missions.
Temporary tax revenue advances for districts and other entities are permitted under Article 16 of the California Constitution.