HomeLocalNew Fire Protection District in Eastern Plumas on November Ballot for PortolaNew Fire Protection District in Eastern Plumas on November Ballot for PortolaTue, August 29, 2023SHARE NOW Portola residents will decide on forming the proposed new Fire District in the upcoming November election.During the city’s council meeting on August 9th, Mayor Pro Tem Pat Morton highlighted that the Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District will appear on the ballot as measures E and F. To support these measures, the community will form a new independent campaign committee.Voters can show their support for the fire district’s formation by casting their votes in favor of Measure E. Measure F, on the other hand, introduces a novel tax aimed at bolstering the initiative. Interim City Manager Jon Kennedy explains that the exact tax amount varies based on factors like home size. However, he points out that the average homeowner can expect an annual cost of around $110 per parcel, roughly translating to $9 per month.The proposed Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District has been conceived to address the need for more dependable and efficient fire coverage across Eastern Plumas County. The region currently faces shortages of funding and volunteers, particularly in its numerous scattered smaller fire districts. Pro Tem Morton underscores that this challenge extends beyond the county—it’s a widespread issue across the nation.This November, voters will be presented with these two measures for consideration.