The Ripon City Council could vote to place a sales tax measure on the November ballot as a way of helping out the Ripon Consolidated Fire District.

The vote takes place at tonight’s 6 o’clock meeting.

The 1 percent sales tax, if approved, would apply to all eligible transaction occurring within the City of Ripon – the Ripon Consolidated Fire District is an independent district operating under the California Fire Protection District Law, providing services within city limits and the outlying areas.

Residents such as Katie Nilsson and Sheri Coburn recently expressed concerns about the safety of the community and RCFD’s operating budget.

The local fire district relies on property taxes, special taxes, fees for service, and development mitigation fees in order to operate.

But, according Nilsson, who is a registered nurse, RCFD currently generates enough funds to staff only one station.

“Having one staffed station leaves the City with significantly limited resources,” she said during public comment at last month’s meeting.

Added Coburn, who is the SOS chairperson: “RCFD has experienced a 35 percent increase in calls over the past several years. With continued growth, the RCFD struggles to sustain ambulance services and Ripon Fire Station No. 3 remains unstaffed.”

She helped orchestrate the campaign to get the 1 percent sales tax on the ballot, using social media to get the word out. The result of that were 250 signatures in 24 hours in support of the sales tax measure.

Coburn noted that other communities – Oakdale and Parlier in Fresno County, for example – have been successful in passing the 1 percent sales tax to help support their fire departments.

Log on to www.cityofripon.org for more information.