Board renews license for county fire engine to remain in Groveland amid debate over development, funding and litigation

SONORA, Calif. — The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors on April 15 approved a license and cost‑reimbursement agreement to allow a county fire engine to remain co‑located at Groveland Community Services District (GCSD) facilities through March 31, 2026.

Groveland officials and residents told the board the county engine has reduced response burdens on the locally funded GCSD unit and is necessary to maintain an acceptable level of fire service in the Highway 120 corridor. Pete Campa, general manager for GCSD, described the agreement as an important step “to solidify that partnership and relationship going forward.” GCSD board president Nancy Mora and GCSD staff echoed those remarks, saying county placement of an engine prevents service gaps when the district’s unit is committed elsewhere.

The item drew extended board discussion about long‑term funding, response standards and outstanding litigation concerns. Supervisor Kirk said he would not support a one‑year renewal “unless I know that those projects have been contacted and that that litigation has been dropped,” citing frustration from property owners who feel threatened by legal action during development. Several supervisors said the county has invested in fire resources and requested continued communications and planning; staff and the county fire chief described ongoing coordination with developers and with GCSD.

Chief Nick Cashey, who serves both as Tuolumne County fire chief and also with GCSD, said the county’s engine has reduced the time GCSD spends responding outside its service area and improved overall response capability. County and GCSD officials said the co‑location arrangement supports the county’s 12‑minute response standard in the Groveland area by ensuring a locally present engine.

Board members agreed to approve the license extension while staff and supervisors discussed next steps including a possible workshop on community‑facilities‑district (CFD) options and other funding mechanisms. Supervisor Griefer moved approval; Supervisor Campbell seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Public comment included Groveland officials explaining that without the county engine, GCSD resources had been stretched — GCSD responded outside its boundaries about 35 times in the prior year while CAL FIRE responded inside GCSD’s area more than 100 times, a district representative said during earlier meetings cited in the discussion. Board members asked staff to continue coordinating with GCSD and development proponents to identify sustainable long‑term solutions.