Two ballot measures are being proposed to form a new fire protection district: Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District, serving the Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Gold Mountain/Nakoma, and Vinton communities, along with City of Portola. This district will also expand boundaries to include those currently outside of an assigned fire district.
Measure E calls for the establishment of the district, and Measure F establishes the funding mechanism for the district through a special tax. Registered voters within the new district boundaries can cast their votes Nov. 7.
BPFPD representatives report that the new district will combine resources, such as volunteer firefighters, paid staff, facilities, training, and equipment, which will create significant efficiencies while aligning with current statewide and national standards of emergency service practices. The special tax will contribute to the operating budget of the new fire protection district.
“These ballot measures have been a long time in the making,” said Cary Curtis, chair of the former Local
Emergency Services Study Group. “The new district has been vetted and approved through LAFCo (Local Agency Formation Commission) and approved by the Plumas County Board of Supervisors. It is critical that our communities have secure, prompt emergency medical and fire protection services.”
An informational event was held Oct. 14 to educate and inform registered voters. In addition, an information table will be set up at Leonard’s Market (88 W. Sierra Ave. in Portola) every Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. throughout October.
“The community deserves to be informed about this effort, especially about Measure F, establishment of a special tax,” said Curtis. “The hope is to share accurate, factual information about both measures and answer questions.”
For more information about Measure E and Measure F, visit http://www.FireProtectPlumas.org or call (530) 316-4301.
Information submitted by Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District
