home
Help for Twin Pines
victims
Monday, Oct. 30, 2006, 7:52 p.m.
The Idyllwild HELP Center is ready to provide food,
clothing and household goods to victims of burned homes in the
Esperanza Fire incident. The HELP Center can be reached at (951)
659-2110.
FIRE VICTIMS CATCH A BREAK ON PROPERTY TAXES
Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector Paul McDonnell and
Assessor Larry Ward offer relief to Esperanza Fire victims
RIVERSIDE, CA – Residents attempting to put their lives back together
in the wake of the tragic Esperanza Fire have one less worry, thanks to
Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector Paul McDonnell and Assessor
Larry Ward.
With over 40,000 acres of charred forest and brush, and a
staggering 34 homes and 20 buildings destroyed, McDonnell and Ward have
implemented an emergency relief program that postpones property tax
payments for those whose property was damaged or destroyed in the
Esperanza Fire. If eligible, these property owners can have their
property reassessed and their December 10 property tax payment
postponed until a revised tax bill is issued.
“Our hearts go out to the firefighters and victims who were
greatly affected by this devastating tragedy,” said McDonnell.
“Providing tax relief during this very difficult time is the
least our office can do.”
McDonnell’s office has received and documented the addresses of
properties impacted by the fire from the Riverside County Office of
Emergency Services, but State law requires the tax relief program be
initiated by the property owner, he said.
To file a claim for tax relief, property owners can download a
claim form on the Assessor’s website at http://www.riversideacr.com
<http://www.riversideacr.com/> . Once the claim is received,
taxpayers will be notified of their eligibility for the December tax
deferral and their properties will be reassessed to reflect the current
value of their home, business or land.
“I urge those property owners affected by this devastating fire
to come forward and take advantage of this tax relief opportunity,”
said Ward. “With all that has happened we want to let them know that
we’re here to help them get back on their feet.”
Ward added that residents whose property has been severely
impacted by a fire, earthquake or other natural disaster, in general,
are eligible to take advantage of the tax relief program.
A corrected property tax bill will be issued reflecting the new
value assessment consistent with the damage. If a property was
completely destroyed, the assessed value will be based on the value of
the land.
The Treasurer-Tax Collector and Assessor work together to issue
in excess of 850,000 tax bills with revenues of over $2.5 billion for
the County. Property taxes provide funding for public safety,
transportation, schools, and other key services that enhance the
quality of life for Riverside County residents.
For more information, fire victims can visit www.riversidetaxinfo.com,
or contact the Assessor’s Office at (951) 766-2500, or the
Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office at (951) 955-3997
Memorial Link
Contacting Relatives of Esperanza's Fallen Firefighters
Breaking
News & Full Story
Twin Pines information
meeting
A black day for local
firefighters
‘Lotzie’ — a friend, a
sport and a mentor
Woman saved by
neighbors in Twin Pines
Forest Service brings help
Memorial Service
Crew
Members Delivered Baby
Current
Fire Info & Map
Photo
Gallery
Express
Your Thoughts
Fund-raising
Events
Donations
to the Victims’ Families
Road
Closures
Arson
Hotline
James
Reserve Waits & Watches
Help for
Twin Pines Victims
To protect firefighters, abate
property