Full Notification

JULY 10, 2014 - Montecito Fire Protection District voters overwhelming approved its recent all mailed ballot measure, N2014 for the fifth consecutive time it has been submitted to the voters. Although voter turnout was lower than in years past, with only 29.82 percent of registered voters casting their votes, 91.89% voted in favor of the measure.

"We are extremely happy that this election has passed with a high level of support once again,” Fire Chief Chip Hickman stated. “The continued passage of this measure validates the residents’ desire for Montecito Fire to continue providing paramedic and fire protection at the service levels they currently receive."

In 1979, Proposition 4 was approved, limiting government spending. The Fire District must receive voter approval every four years to override the 1979 ballot measure, allowing the District to spend all that it collects above the previous spending limits. Appropriation spending limits are calculated using the previous year's limit multiplied by changes in the cost of living and in population.

The election procedure has been approved by Montecito voters since the District’s first Proposition 4 Override election in 1998.