Measure Q: Q&A

• What is Measure Q?
• Why does Richmond need it?
• How does fixing a building improve public safety?
• Why not just use the Polluters Pay settlement?
• How much does Measure Q cost?
• Can Measure Q money be spent on firefighter salaries?
• Is there oversight?
• Why act now?

What is Measure Q?

Measure Q is a $120 million general obligation bond to repair, rebuild, and modernize Richmond’s aging fire stations and related emergency-response facilities.

Why does Richmond need it?

Many of Richmond’s fire stations were built decades ago and have accumulated years of deferred maintenance.

Problems include structural damage, seismic deficiencies, leaking roofs and pipes, deteriorating electrical systems, outdated bathrooms and living areas, mold and asbestos, and facilities that no longer meet the needs of a modern emergency-response system.

How does fixing a building improve public safety?

Fire stations are operating emergency-response facilities, not offices.

They house firefighters, engines, rescue equipment, communications systems, and the infrastructure needed to begin a 911 response.

They also need to remain operational after an earthquake or during another major disaster — exactly when Richmond will need its emergency-response system most.

Why not just use the Polluters Pay settlement?

Because that would mean using a temporary source of money to pay entirely for infrastructure that will serve Richmond for decades.

Richmond receives the Chevron settlement over ten years. Rebuilt fire stations should serve residents for 30 years or more.

Measure Q allows Richmond to finance those long-term improvements over time while preserving the limited Polluters Pay settlement for other community needs.

Don’t spend 10 years of settlement money on 30+ years of fire stations.

How much does Measure Q cost?

Measure Q authorizes up to $120 million in bonds.

The official estimate is an average property-tax rate of approximately $22.15 per $100,000 of assessed value while the bonds are outstanding.

Assessed value is generally based on the value established when a property was purchased, plus allowable annual increases under Proposition 13, not its current market value or "Zestimate."

Can Measure Q money be spent on firefighter salaries?

No.

Bond proceeds are restricted to capital improvements and related eligible costs. They cannot be used for regular salaries, pensions, or general operating expenses.

Is there oversight?

Yes.

Measure Q requires citizen oversight and annual independent audits, with bond proceeds kept in a separate account and spent only for approved purposes.

Why act now?

Deferred maintenance doesn’t get cheaper.

The longer Richmond waits, the more deterioration continue,s and the more expensive major repairs and replacement become.

More importantly, Richmond’s fire stations need to be ready for the next major emergency.

Waiting isn’t the smart move. Measure Q is.