To: Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Michelle Bushnell
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of Humboldt Local Agency Formation Commission’s Request to Call an Election Related to the Sustainable Provision of Local Fire and Rescue Services (Supervisor Michelle Bushnell)
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. As requested by the Humboldt Local Agency Formation Commission, call an election and authorize the County Elections Official to prepare for and conduct the necessary elections for the formation, special tax, and election of governing board members of the Salmon Creek Fire Protection District and for the Garberville Fire Protection District annexation special tax measure, and set an election date of March 7, 2023; and
2. Direct the Clerk of the Board to forward the signed Board Order and copies of Humboldt Local Agency Formation Commission Resolutions 22-12 and 22-13 to the Humboldt County Elections Department.
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SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund (1100)
DISCUSSION:
On July 20, 2022, the Humboldt Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) conditionally approved the application by registered voter petition of the Salmon Creek Volunteer Fire Company (VFD) to form the Salmon Creek Fire Protection District (SCFPD) to support the continued operations of the VFD, subject to two-thirds (2/3) voter approval of a special tax and election of a 3-member Board of Directors (Resolution No. 22-09). On July 20, 2022, LAFCo also conditionally approved an application submitted by the Garberville Fire Protection District (GFPD) to annex an approximately 36,000-acre out-of-district, good-will response area and consolidate operations with Sprowel Creek Volunteer Fire Company and establish a special tax to be voted upon by voters within the existing district and annexation area to sustain and improve community fire protection services, subject to two-thirds (2/3) voter approval (Resolution No. 22-10). These are important actions by Southern Humboldt communities to sustain the delivery of local fire protection services.
On Sept. 21, 2022, LAFCo passed Resolutions 22-12 and 22-13, respectively, requesting that the Humboldt County Elections Official prepare for and conduct the necessary elections for the formation, special tax, and election of governing board members of the SCFPD and for the GFPD annexation special tax measure; and set an election date of March 7, 2023. See the full contents of Resolutions 22-12 and 22-13 in Attachments 1 and 2, respectively.
Based on the information provided in this report and associated attachments, staff recommends that the Board take the recommended actions to ensure continued and sustainable community fire and rescue services for the areas in question.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
In the event the SCFPD formation vote, simple majority, and the vote to establish a special tax, subject to two-thirds (2/3) voter approval, are successful, the new district will pay the costs of the election based on terms agreed upon with the Humboldt County Elections Office, which are estimated to be approximately $2,500. If the vote to form the SCFPD is not successful, the Humboldt County General Fund will absorb the costs of the election.
GFPD is responsible for the cost of the special tax measure associated with that district’s annexation proposal whether it passes or fails.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by creating opportunities for improved safety and health and protecting vulnerable populations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt Local Agency Formation Commission; Garberville Fire Protection District; Salmon Creek Volunteer Fire Department; Humboldt County Fire Chiefs Association
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to take the recommended action. However, this alternative is not recommended because of the benefits the proposed action will have for sustaining critical community emergency services for citizens of Humboldt County.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Humboldt Local Agency Formation Commission Resolution 22-12
2. Humboldt Local Agency Formation Commission Resolution 22-13
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: I-1
Meeting of: April 9, 2019
File No.: 19-501