Sierra County supervisors agreed to a short-term financial backstop for operations at the Downeyville Community Hall, approving a $2,400 transfer from county service-area resources to the hall’s account while a committee develops a longer-term plan.

The request came from the Downeyville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, which manages the hall and sought $400 a month to steady operations after several years of annual losses. “We are the Fire Auxiliary. We are a nonprofit solely dedicated to raising funds for the safety equipment for the volunteer fire department,” said Sonia Meline, vice president of the Downeyville Fire Auxiliary, summarizing the group’s role and the request.

County staff and supervisors said they were sympathetic but cautious about creating a precedent for funding volunteer-run community centers. “My concern…is starting a precedent,” said Supervisor Bridal, noting other community halls that operate with volunteer groups. After discussion about possible funding sources, supervisors directed staff to place a $2,400 interim transfer into the hall’s account and asked county finance and service-area representatives to analyze options for sustaining operations beyond the coming year.

The auxiliary’s presentation described multiple community uses of the hall, including senior lunches, exercise classes, volunteer-fire trainings, public meetings and emergency sheltering. The group reported annual operating losses of $7,000 to $9,000 in recent years and said its bank balance was about $2,500, with a “burn rate” of roughly four months at current spending rates.

Supervisors suggested forming a small committee to examine the proposal and larger service-area and budget implications; in the meantime, board members agreed to the $2,400 move so the hall remains solvent through the near term. County staff said they would work with the auxiliary to develop marketing and rental-rate changes the group said it is already implementing, and bring any additional funding requests back to the board.

The board did not adopt a permanent policy change on funding community halls; supervisors emphasized the board will consider precedent and equity across service areas when weighing any ongoing subsidy.

The auxiliary’s full proposal and financial records were submitted to the clerk and reviewed by county staff; the board’s action was an interim flow of funds rather than a long-term commitment.