Don Thompson
Associated Press

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August 12, 2012
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California fire fee ignites anger as bills go out

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-More than 800,000 Californians who own property in wildfire country will begin receiving bills this week for a new annual fire-protection fee, rekindling outrage among rural residents and leading to a likely lawsuit seeking to overturn the surcharge.The fee, passed by Democrats in the Legislature and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown last year, is intended to raise an estimated $84 million in its first year for fire-prevention efforts. The annual charge can run as high as $150 for property owners with a single occupied dwelling, although there is a $35 discount for those who already pay a local tax …

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The Union Updated Aug 12, 2012 12:52PM Published Aug 12, 2012 12:50PM Copyright 2012 The Union. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.