How many communities in AZ have these 'regulations'?

[tyedyeto]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x988113

I live south of Tucson in an incorporated city and I have to pay blackmail/extortion to Rural/Metro for fire protection even though most of the city only pays for fire protection through their property taxes. For like-evalued properties, taxes are the same, but because we lived 100 yards away from the 'fire district boundary', we pay blackmail/extortion to Rural/Metro to the tune of $700 per year. The rest of the city/township pays NOTHING other than their normal property taxes.

Does this happen where you live in AZ?

[Kali]

1. Cheaper than losing everything or getting billed for a call.

Life isn't always fair. Boundries can be arbirary but they do serve a purpose. I don't have ANY services - well the state will call the local firefighters for a brush fire, but on the house? eh, first it would be gone before anybody could get down the road, but in rural Cochise county it just isn't there.

[proud patriot]

2. interesting , my dad just moved to Tucson

I'm sending him a link to this thread

[GoldenOldie]

3. I live in Tucson but within a small County area

therefore my property taxes do not cover Tucson Fire Department nor their Ambulance/Paramedic services and we must have individual annual contracts for both Rural Metro Fire and Ambulance/Paramedic service. The Fire protection costs approximately $160.00 and the Ambulance Paramedic approximately $125 per year.

There are similar County pockets within and around the city of Tucson that must rely on Rural Metro. If you are holding a mortgage, you are required to maintain the Fire protection and their Paramedic and Ambulance service is outstanding......I know, as my neighbors and we have made full use of them this year.

[Ptah]

5. Welcome to Tucson, proud patriot's dad.

:toast:

http://www.desertmuseum.org/

[NoodleBoy]

4. County islands are everywhere-- maps of county islands in South Phoenix makes that part of the city

look like swiss cheese.

What you'd basically need to do is tell your neighbors about it all--most people don't realize when they live in county islands--and ask whatever city surrounds you to annex your neighborhood.

It's weird though, sometimes county islands exist because of certain industries. It could take some work, but if you're really that bothered by the fees, then it should be worth it.

[tyedyeto]

6. I am not in a county area

I'm in a city.

Talked to a friend the other day who lives within the city limits about 4 blocks from me. Her property is valued very similar to mine and she pays about the same in proerty taxes. Yet, she does not have to pay for fire protection.

Just doesn't seem right to me. I can see it if you live in a non-covered area outside of city limits, but I live within the city and still have to pay when other residents don't.

Edit cuz I can't seem to spell right today.

[NoodleBoy]

7. you're actually, legally in an incorporated city?

there's no way to phrase that without sounding mean, so sorry about that. You could be completely surrounded by city and just be in a county island.

If you want, you could still go to the other city and ask for annexation. However, if you live in South Tucson, there's no way that would happen, that two-block town has fought being annexed by Tucson for decades.

[tyedyeto]

8. I am within the legal city limits of Sahuarita

We recently had an election for city council in which I voted. I live within the city limits. But neighbors 3 or 4 blocks away receive fire protection with no additional property taxes or other payments receive the service, whereas we have to pay $600-$700 per year extra for that same privilege and also reside within the city limits.

I am Not in a county area by any means. But I am treated as if I live in an unincorporated area by the 'Fire District'.

All I have asked of DU members is if anyone else is being extorted by their city the way I am.