Assessment ballot arriving in mailboxes May 20, 2026. Attend a Town Hall to learn more and ask questions.
FC4ER Logo
Felton Community for Emergency Response
fc4er.org  ·  [email protected]

Protect Felton's
First Responders

Since 1935, Felton Fire has protected our community. Today, outdated funding, rising costs, and shrinking volunteer numbers put our local fire district at a crossroads. The upcoming Special Benefit Assessment is our chance to keep fast, local emergency response in Felton's hands.

Official Ballot Envelope
Ballots mailed by May 20. Must be RECEIVED at Felton firehouse by July 24, 6:00 PM (not just postmarked).
   ✓ If the assessment passes
  •    ✓ Known cost and known service
  •    ✓ Local control secured
  •    ✓ Funds stay in Felton
  •    ✓ Station and equipment maintained
  •    ✓ National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 Standards
  •    ✓ Community has a voice in decisions
   ✕ If the assessment fails
  •    ✕ Higher costs &/or lower service
  •    ✕ Outside agency takes over
  •    ✕ Funds serve greater area, not dedicated to Felton
  •    ✕ Unknown what, if any, engines will be housed in Felton
  •    ✕ Longer response times expected
  •    ✕ Community loses voice
1935 Serving Felton since
900+ Annual emergency calls
5 min Current response target

Come hear from your Fire Chief

Attend a Town Hall Meeting

Felton Fire Station · 131 Kirby St. · Zoom available · Chief Isaac Blum available for smaller neighborhood gatherings

more dates added

17 Jun
Wednesday June 17, 2026 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
27 Jun
Saturday June 27, 2026 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
8 Jul
Wednesday July 8, 2026 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
18 Jul
Saturday July 18, 2026 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Town Hall Resource
Informational Slide Deck from Town Hall
View Slide Deck →
Ballot timeline
Ballots mailed May 20 Must be RECEIVED at Felton firehouse by July 24, 6:00 PM (not just postmarked) Votes tallied publicly at Felton Fire Station, July 24 at 6 PM Your ballot will show the exact assessment amount for your property

We Say Yes!

Refresh screen to see current list.

  • Loading...

    Join your community. Add your name.

    Count Me In

    The Challenge: Funding

    A funding formula unchanged since 1946

    Our community's demand for emergency services has tripled since 1999 — but Felton Fire's funding structure hasn't changed in nearly 80 years. The pool of volunteers is shrinking. Equipment is aging. State and federal requirements are more demanding than ever.

    Annual calls
    From 300 in 1999 to more than 900 today
    Funding formula
    80 yrs
    Unchanged since 1946, despite rising costs and needs
    Volunteer pool
    Shrinking volunteer numbers make staffing harder every year
    2020 wildfire
    CZU
    Lightning complex — a reminder of what's at stake for our region

    The Challenge: Response Time

    Every minute matters in an emergency

    FFPD currently meets, and strives to exceed, the NFPA 1710 standards – and the assessment is what keeps it that way.

    911
    Dial 911 and know that help is on the way! How quickly help arrives when you dial 911 is a critical measure in an emergency. FFPD strives to exceed the NFPA 1710 standard, with average time en route under 120 seconds for 80–90% of the calls. If we're taken over by another agency, response times are likely to be extended.

    Resources & Documents

    Everything you need to make an informed vote

    Community Letter

    A Letter to Our Neighbors

    Since 1935, Felton Fire has protected our community. Today we are at a crossroads — this letter explains what's at stake and how to cast your ballot before July 24.

    Read the letter → 2 min read
    Frequently Asked Questions

    Your Questions, Answered

    YES means a known plan, reliable local response, and community control. NO means uncertainty and funds potentially leaving Felton. Plain answers to the most common questions.

    Read the FAQ → 5 min read
    What Your Vote Funds

    What Does This Assessment Accomplish?

    Your YES vote funds 3 paid firefighters on duty 24/7, upgraded equipment, station repairs, and community programs — all locally managed with funds staying in Felton.

    Explainer

    Why Can't Felton Fire Rely Solely on Volunteers?

    Volunteers are vital and deeply appreciated — but the U.S. has lost nearly a quarter of its volunteer firefighters since 2008 while call volume rose 70%. Felton now needs paid professionals alongside its volunteers.

    Explainer

    Why Not Merge with Another District?

    Merging sounds simple — but it's actually a dissolution. Felton would lose control of its station, equipment, and funds with no guarantee on costs or service levels.

    Cost Breakdown

    How Much Will It Cost?

    Most Felton homes pay $550–$650 per year — less than annual trash and recycling fees. Your ballot shows your exact amount.

    Your Exact Amount

    Look Up Your Cost by APN

    90% of residences will pay under $642 per year — about $50 per month. This essential service costs less than your trash and recycling bills.

    Find your APN → Official APN document
    Accountability & Oversight

    Can We Trust How the Money Will Be Managed?

    Prop 218 is California's strictest funding mechanism — legally restricted uses, independently verified by SCI Consulting, and overseen by a Citizens' Committee. Any surplus returned to property owners.

    FACTS & MISINFORMATION

    Myth Busters

    Consider the facts rather than relying on social media, unsubstantiated opinions or wishful thinking! Feel free to ask us for copies of substantiating documents.

    LAFCO ON THE RECORD

    Is There a Plan B?

    The Executive Officer of LAFCO, the commission that oversees our local fire district, clarifies that there is no Plan B for several reasons...

    Local Control

    Your vote determines who controls Felton's emergency services

    If the assessment passes, Felton keeps control. If it fails, an outside entity takes over — and however they choose to tax us, we will have no say in the matter. There is no guarantee our tax dollars will stay focused on Felton.

    Get Involved

    Contact Us or Volunteer

    Have questions about the assessment? Want to help spread the word in Felton? We'd love to hear from you.

    Contact Us / I Want to Volunteer →

    Clicking opens your email app directly to [email protected]