Chester’s May 7th Special Election results are in, yet the fire department’s future still hangs in the balance.
Voters were asked to determine if they approved a special tax on their properties to support funding for the fire department.
Measure B proposed the lesser tax, a $450 per parcel tax, which would provide a minimum of staffing with volunteers and per diem firefighters and efficient EMS response, albeit without ground ambulance transport.
While, Measure C the more substantial $1500 per parcel tax would establish a robust professional, full-time Fire Department, with round-the-clock coverage and 24/7 ground ambulance service.
Unofficial results released by the Plumas Elections office show that only 37% of voters participated. The first look at the results does not account for the number of mail-in ballots that the elections office has a window of 7 days to receive. PlumasRegistrar of Voters Marcy DeMartile says it is undetermined how many voters chose to place their ballots in mailboxes in the days leading up to election day.
Measure B received 249 votes to 270 no votes, while measure C received 141 yes votes to 371 no votes. To pass, one of the measures would have to have a 2/3rds majority.
Adam Cox, the General Manager of Chester PUD, has previously stated that the fire department would be shuttered without additional funding from either of the special tax measures. As funds are expected to run dry within the year, the department has already ceased ground ambulance services as of January 1st.
Registrar of Voters DeMartile confirmed the elections office will be certifying ballots after May 22nd.
