Paying for fire protection (Tucson, Pima: homeowners insurance, house, college)

[Garblefarf.]

We may be considering a move to Tucson, and I have been doing considerable internet research. I discover that in many areas of Pima County, outside the Tucson city limits, fire protection is not provided as a municipal service, and must be purchased through Rural/Metro. Perhaps this is one reason property taxes are so low.

I have spent some time trying to obtain information on the cost of this protection, but haven't come up with much, even from the Rural/Metro website. I e-mailed them to try to get some ballpark figures, but they wouldn't answer if I couldn't give them a specific address.

Can anyone give me a ballpark annual cost for a single-family, detached house worth about $350,000 In the Foothills area?

[michael krotchie]

Originally Posted by Garblefarf.

We may be considering a move to Tucson, and I have been doing considerable internet research. I discover that in many areas of Pima County, outside the Tucson city limits, fire protection is not provided as a municipal service, and must be purchased through Rural/Metro. Perhaps this is one reason property taxes are so low.

I have spent some time trying to obtain information on the cost of this protection, but haven't come up with much, even from the Rural/Metro website. I e-mailed them to try to get some ballpark figures, but they wouldn't answer if I couldn't give them a specific address.

Can anyone give me a ballpark annual cost for a single-family, detached house worth about $350,000 In the Foothills area?

Hey Garblefarf (great name btw), for a 2000sqft home you're probably looking at around $225, including sheriff's and ambulance service and all that good stuff.

Varies obviously but that should give you a rough idea.

[sickofIL]

Aren't there townships there? Here, that's who covers the fire coverage and the county sheriff's department covers the police. I haven't heard needing to pay for this separately, even in rural Wisconsin. (my mom and dad used to have property there.

So If you live in one of those areas and don't pay extra for this you don't get any police of fire protection? That just seems so strange. Usually it is just included you taxes.

[michael krotchie]

I'm sure about the fire protection but maybe I was too quick to throw the sheriff/ambulance service in with it. Can anyone who lives up there shed some light on this?

So If you live in one of those areas and don't pay extra for this you don't get any police of fire protection? That just seems so strange. Usually it is just included you taxes.

Yep no fire protection, it isn't included in your taxes.

[Poochy Doo]

For us it comes out to $0.89/per day, easier to swallo than $325/year. Includes fire and ambulance. There is a $35 registration fee. The coverage stays with the house, not the owner. We could not get homeowners insurance without the coverage.

When I had to contact them they were very nice. I used the email contact and they were very prompt to contact me by phone and answer all my questions.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by Garblefarf.

We may be considering a move to Tucson, and I have been doing considerable internet research. I discover that in many areas of Pima County, outside the Tucson city limits, fire protection is not provided as a municipal service, and must be purchased through Rural/Metro. Perhaps this is one reason property taxes are so low.

Tucson's city limits are quite funny.

[ZonyPony]

"Garblefarf (great name btw)"

Yeah, cool name... and so is Poochy Doo.

Just as an aside, I remember a Poochy's in Long Beach, CA. It was a pretty cool name for a hot dog stand!

Okay - I'm done...

[Garblefarf.]

That pretty much answers the question, so thanks all.

Obviously, Garblefarf is Frafelbrag spelled backward.

An old joke from college.

[Tucson81]

Rural/Metro covers the unincorporated county areas outside of city limits or incorporated Fire Districts. Because the residents in these areas do not pay taxes to support the fire service, this is done on a subscription basis with individual homeowners. Please be aware that Rural/Metro will absolutely respond (especially for life/property threatening situations) even if one is not a subscriber. In this case one would most likely be billed for the service rendered. The subscription rates are based upon the square footage of buildings on the property, which is why they needed specifics to give an accurate rate. Many services are included with a subsc., such as snake removals and smoke detector battery changes. It boils down to this-everyone pays for fire protection, this is just a different way than most may be used to (taxes). The most accurate info can be obtained by calling administration, but this should give you a general idea how it works. Hope this helps!

[Tucson81]

And as far as Police protection, that is included in property taxes via the Pima County Sherriff's Department.