SRA Fire Fee Workshop in Santa Barbara County

Gamper, a leading authority on the landowner protested SRA Fee, will provide vital information on paying the “fee,” challenging the “fee’” and claiming a refund. County Farm Bureau President, Paul Van Leer, Goleta, said “Anyone with property in rural areas of the county should attend one of the workshops. The information and handouts are well worth the time spent.”

The SRA Fees are imposed annually on rural residents living in “State Responsibility Area” as the result of a law signed by Gov. Brown last year. The charge per habitable dwelling is purportedly to be used to cover fire prevention services. The California Farm Bureau, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association are among many organizations who oppose this “tax.”

“You may be receiving your 2013 SRA bill (Cal Fire State Responsibility Area Fee) from the state in March,” advised Teri Bontrager, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau. “Bring your questions on this “tax” to the workshop,” she said. “The state requirements say you have to pay the total bill, even if non-habitable structures are included on the bill!” She also advised that there are specific rules for protesting the fee or “tax.” Bontrager stated, “We will help you resolve these and other areas of the SRA at our workshops.”

Workshops have been organized in two county locations for the convenience of attendees. The morning session will be held at Farm Supply, 700 McMurray Road in Buellton from 9 am to 10 am. The afternoon session will be at Carpinteria Motor Transport (CMT), 6339 Casitas Pass Road, Carpinteria from 1 pm to 2 pm.

Space is limited and attendees are asked to RSVP to 805-688-7479 with which workshop they will be attending.