Amador County - The Amador Fire Protection Authority last week approved a formula for the distribution of funding collected through Measure M, a ½ cent sales tax measure intended to support struggling fire districts in Amador County. The formula is based on figures from the California Department of Finance and divides money collected through Measure M between the AFPD, Jackson, Ione, Sutter Creek, Lockwood and Jackson Valley fire districts based on call volume and population. Some money will also come from Prop 172, a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment approved in 1993 that created a ½ cent sales tax to help fund public safety agencies statewide. During last Thursday’s meeting, AFPA board member Connie Gonsalves said there is currently around $1 million in Measure M and Prop 172 funding in an account through the auditor’s office. County Administrative Officer Terri Daly said the formula is an important step because “there are a lot of rumors going around that the county has misappropriated Measure M funds.” Funding distribution scenarios included in the formula are based on dollar amounts between $1.7 million and $2.7 million, but Daly said “these aren’t what we expected because the economy has gone south.” CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Brian Kirk said “it is important to establish an objective criteria so we can measure” what each district will receive. AFPA members voiced concerns over the accuracy of aspects of the formula, such as population figures, and how that will affect funding distribution. Board members agreed with fellow member Jake Herfel, who said there are “probably errors with (the formula) but for now, at least to keep the process going, we can go with this.” There are still unanswered questions as to what the needs of each fire district are. Herfel said it is important to “press upon our (fire) chiefs to be at these meetings…and participate (in the discussion).” The board unanimously approved a motion by board member Hal Gamble to distribute funding based on the formula. County Auditor Joe Lowe said the item will be added to the December 1st Board of Supervisors agenda for final approval. The Measure M ½ cent sales tax increase was part of the November 4, 2008 ballot and was passed by voters with 69 percent approval. It is intended to support the first publicly funded fire program in Amador County. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.