Los Angeles votes to raise sales tax to 10.75% to fund its fire department

LOS ANGELES, Nov 12 — Los Angeles voters approved Measure FD earlier this month, agreeing to raise the city sales tax from 10.25% to 10.75% to raise about $345 million a year in dedicated funding for the Los Angeles Fire Department, for hiring firefighters, repairing fire stations and replacing equipment. The higher rate takes effect as early as April 1 next year.

Passed with about 54% of the vote; funds ring-fenced

Measure FD (Initiative Ordinance FD) passed on November 3 by about 54% to 46%. After the increase, residents will pay about five cents more on every $10 spent. The city estimates the roughly $345 million raised each year will be dedicated to the fire department, cannot replace existing budget funding, and will be overseen by a citizens' oversight committee with an annual audit.

Hiring and station repairs come first

Fire Chief Jaime Moore said the new money will go first to recruiting firefighters, repairing fire stations and replacing equipment, with equipment repairs alone already costing more than $9 million. The measure was championed by the firefighters' union and Councilmember Traci Park.

Background: the Palisades fire exposed strained resources

The strain on Los Angeles fire resources after the Palisades fire in January drew wide attention and was the direct backdrop for the tax measure. The vote will be certified on November 27, followed by a 110-day waiting period, with the rate taking effect at the earliest on April 1, 2027, the first day of the next quarter.

(Sources: Los Angeles Times; Firehouse; The LA Local.)