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County approves up to $400,000 to test shared fire services on Georgetown divide
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved using up to $400,000 of Mosquito Fire settlement funds to support a two‑year pilot to bolster shared services among Garden Valley, Georgetown and Mosquito fire districts, aiming to stabilize coverage while chiefs retire and staffing transitions occur.
The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors voted April 21 to authorize using up to $400,000 in Mosquito Fire settlement funds to support a two‑year shared‑services pilot among Garden Valley, Georgetown and Mosquito fire protection districts.
Why it matters: County staff and an ad hoc committee told the board the pilot is intended to shore up emergency response capacity on the Georgetown divide as longtime chiefs retire and districts test a regional shared‑services model. Proponents said the funding would be one‑time support to help the districts coordinate a longer‑term plan.
Chief Administrative Officer Tracey Phillips (identified in remarks as Miss Phillips) told the board the county has seen continuing funding pressure for rural fire districts and that both Georgetown and Garden Valley already share services. "We recommend that a portion of that, up to $400,000, be used in that divide area to enhance fire services for potentially two years of that shared services agreement," Phillips said.
Vice Chair Supervisor Ferrero and other members of the jurisdictional ad hoc committee said they supported a modest investment to stabilize coverage and to explore whether the shared model could become sustainable. Ferrero said the money would come from settlement proceeds, not the general fund, and that the ad hoc will present a fuller recommendation on the balance of the $8.5 million settlement at the board's April 28 meeting.
Board action: Supervisor Parlin moved and the board approved the recommendation on a 4‑0 vote with Supervisor Parlan absent. The motion authorized staff to negotiate and use the one‑time settlement funds for the pilot and directed follow‑up reporting to the board.
What the item does not do: The action funds short‑term support only; it does not change fire district governance or make permanent funding commitments. Phillips said a longer‑term funding plan exists in concept but will require further discussion and board review.
Next steps: The ad hoc committee will return with a fuller recommendation on the remaining settlement balance at the April 28 meeting and staff will work with the affected districts on implementation details and conditions for the funding.
