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CARMEL, Calif. - Fire season is almost over now, but it's never too late to prevent them. At least that's what the state wants you to think with a new fire fee.
Those living in any unincorporated areas of any county should have gotten a $150 bill in the mail by now.
Residents in a neighborhood just outside the Carmel city limits say they will pay the bill but they plan to appeal it.
"I'm going to pay it but I'm going to write down that I'm going to protest," said Odelo.
John Odelo has lived here for 42 years and says he wishes he knew more about where his money was going to go or even knew it was happening before it was too late.
The way they passed it without letting anyone know about it. Its almost like secrecy," explained Odelo.
His neighbor Pat Deval says it doesn't make sense because the fire department is right around the corner.
"The fire department is just down the hill. It takes them no time to get up here. In fact, they are up here all the time inspecting," said Deval.
But CalFire has said that the fee is not so much for fighting fires, but the prevention before hand. With budget cuts, it needs more with fire prevention and law enforcement programs, public education, and vegetation removal.
Susan Howard lives at the top of Laureles Grade for 20 years and understands..
"We have no problem with it. Being up here its going to take longer to get equipment up here. The driveways are harder to get in and out of," said Howard.
