Yes or No on Measure PFD: What Your Vote Means

What each outcome means for you

Arguments for and against Measure PFD

The question is whether to create this dedicated parcel tax for fire and emergency services. The funding objectives and the choice of how to pay for them are separate issues.

What is the funding case for voting Yes on Measure PFD?

The City Attorney’s impartial analysis describes additional, restricted revenue for firefighter and paramedic staffing, wildfire readiness, fire facilities, and equipment. It says the revenue is intended to enhance services and infrastructure beyond existing levels. The proposal requires independent financial audits, public spending disclosure, and a 14-year sunset.

The analysis also says that without this funding source, the City may face limits on expanding wildfire mitigation and capital improvements. These are the City’s stated funding objectives and assessment, not a guarantee of a particular response time or project completion date.

Why does our campaign recommend voting No on Measure PFD?

Our campaign believes Pasadena should prioritize existing revenues for fire facilities before adding another property tax. We question the added cost to taxable property owners and want clearer commitments about how projects and service improvements will be delivered.

The City’s capital plan records funded renovations and completed station improvements, while listing full replacements of Stations 33 and 37 as unfunded. That distinction does not establish that the replacements are already paid for. Review the fire-station funding timeline and original budget records to assess our position.

What would neither vote guarantee?

A Yes vote would not guarantee a particular emergency-response time. A No vote would not enact an alternative funding plan or guarantee future service levels. Those questions depend on subsequent budgets, project decisions, and the applicable ordinance provisions.

How many votes does PFD need to pass?

At least two-thirds of votes cast on the measure must be Yes. The threshold applies to votes on PFD, rather than all registered voters or everyone who casts a ballot in the election.

Election Day is November 3, 2026. Early vote totals can change as ballots are counted. Use certified results to confirm the outcome.

When would you start paying?

The proposed ordinance does not give a calendar date for the first tax bill. If PFD passes, check the City’s implementation notices for the first billing year and exemption application instructions.

The proposal calls for two equal installments under County collection procedures. For a $304 annual PFD charge, that would be $152 per installment. The calculator’s monthly amount is an equivalent for budgeting.

How long would the tax last?

The proposal sets a 14-year term from its effective date. It contains no annual cost-of-living increase. Your charge would still depend on taxable building area and any exemption that applies.

An extension would require a subsequent voter-approved ordinance. The proposal also protects authorized debt-service obligations if voters later repeal or amend it.

Would approval mean immediate construction?

Approval would authorize funding, not announce a construction start date. The proposal includes reconstruction of Stations 33 and 37 within the first ten years. Specific schedules and spending would depend on the City’s project and budget decisions.

Annual independent audits and public financial reports would provide ways to follow revenue, spending, and project progress.

What should you check after the election?

• Certified results: confirm whether PFD met the required vote threshold.
• If it passes: look for the first billing year, exemption procedures, budgets, and project schedules.
• If it fails: follow subsequent City budgets and any new funding proposals.

Until an outcome and implementation details are confirmed, the calculator illustrates the proposal rather than an issued tax bill.

Our campaign recommends voting No because we believe Pasadena needs a fairer way to fund public safety. Read the campaign’s case against Measure PFD, or find official voting resources.