In 1980, Belvedere dissolved its all-volunteer fire department and began contracting with Tiburon Fire Protection District for professional fire protection and emergency medical services. In the same year, Belvedere voters approved a parcel tax – the Fire Tax – to cover the cost of this new service. The Fire Tax adjusts modestly each year to account for changes in population and cost of living. The tax is collected as part of regular property taxes and is 100% directed to pay for fire protection and emergency medical services in Belvedere.