Measure H - First Responder Contracts
The History of Measure H
In 1989, the Board of Supervisors established a County Service Area (CSA) for emergency medical services after an advisory measure (Measure H) was passed by 71.6% of the voters on the November 1988 countywide ballot. The CSA enabled the Board of Supervisors to place annual assessments on real property (the EMS benefit assessment) to fund the cost of improvements in the emergency medical services system. The EMS benefit assessment finances improvements to the EMS and trauma systems including county-wide paramedic coverage; improved medical communication and medical dispatcher training; and medical equipment supplies, and firefighter training first responders, including training and equipment for the fire services electing to undertake a specialized program of advanced cardiac care (defibrillation).
The benefit assessment is limited to a maximum assessment on real property of ten dollars annually for each single-family residence or benefit unit as defined in Resolution No. 88/500. The per-benefit unit assessment was initially set at $5.50. The benefit assessment rate was last revised in 2014. The benefit assessment cannot be discounted or removed from a tax bill.
- Health Services Proposal and Service Plan to create CSA (1989)
- Board of Supervisors Resolution 89/742 (Creation of CSA EM-1) (1989)
- Board of Supervisors Resolution 88/500 (Measure H) (1989)
- EMS Benefit Assessment Rates (2014)
- Contra Costa County Fire Chiefs Association Resolution 89-02 (Measure H) (1989)
- EMCC Resolution (Measure H) (1989)
Participating Fire Agencies
The following fire agencies have entered Fire First Responder contracts for Measure H funds.
- Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
- El Cerrito Fire Department
- Rodeo/Hercules Fire Protection District
- Moraga/Orinda Fire Protection District
- San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District
- Crocket-Carquinez Fire Protection District
Moraga/Orinda Fire Department and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District provide ambulance transport services in their respective areas.
Annual Measure H Reports
2024 Reports
- Memo to BOS Re Filing of EM-1 Report FY 2024-2025 (05/31/2024)
- Auditor-Controller Fee and Procedures FY 2024-2025
- Tax Rate Area Index - EM-1 Zones A & B (2024)