“Well, we did something,” Plumas Supervisor Greg Hagwood said as the board approved forming an ad hoc committee for PG&E Dixie Fire Settlement funds, three years after the Dixie Fire burned nearly 1 million acres.
The County received $7.8 million from PG&E as part of a $24 million settlement to address public and natural resource damages caused by the Dixie Fire. Since the amount was disclosed in August 2023, county supervisors have deliberated on utilizing the funds.
Proposals have included investing $2 million and using another $2 million to match grants, suggested by County Administrative Officer Debra Lucero in March. Another proposal aimed to allocate $6.8 million to reimburse the county for fire-related expenses and losses.
At the supervisors’ meeting on July 16, Lucero recommended using $667,696 of the settlement funds to cover specific Dixie Fire-related expenses:
$61,798 for debris cleanup
$18,688 for stabilizing historic county-owned buildings damaged by the fire
$573,495 to pay Arcadis Inc. for recouping insurance payments made on behalf of fire victims participating in the debris cleanup program
Supervisor Goss noted the time that has elapsed since the Dixie Fire, emphasizing that “conversations need to happen.”
The supervisors discussed fairness in allocating monies not just to the areas most affected but throughout the entire county. Homeowners also spoke up, noting that the county has not helped them rebuild. ” We’re struggling out there,” noted one woman in the audience.
Indian Valley CSD General Manager Adam Cox also voiced his thoughts regarding funding for project planning and securing construction funds for projects that are at a standstill, stating, “We just need some investment from the county.”
Plumas County Planning Director Tracey Ferguson emphasized the importance of leveraging the $7.8 million settlement and other funds to enhance planning and construction efforts, noting that community-vetted projects are more likely to attract additional funding. Dixie Fire Collaborative coordinator Patrick Joseph called for stronger partnerships with the county, highlighting its critical role in recovery efforts.
The supervisors unanimously approved Goss’ motion to form an ad hoc committee, with Supervisor Tom McGowan joining as the second member, to study the allocation of the settlement funds. Interim County Counsel Josh Brechtel recommended including regular updates from the committee in the board’s future agendas.
