Riverside County Board Considers Adding Fire Mitigation Fees to Property Taxes

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors is considering a proposal today that would attach fire mitigation fees to the property tax bills of more than 450 property owners across the county.

Fire officials say the property owners owe nearly $300,000 after failing to clear weeds and brush from around their properties as ordered. When those owners did not comply, the county hired contractors to perform the work to reduce fire hazards. The cleanup costs were billed to the property owners, but many of those bills remain unpaid.

If approved, the unpaid amounts will be added to the property tax rolls so the county can recover the costs. Homeowners still have the opportunity to contest the charges before they are finalized.

Officials say the weed abatement program is designed to reduce fire risk in unincorporated areas and protect nearby homes and communities.

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