Nevada County approves $1.5 million to keep Rough and Ready’s Station 59 open during consolidation

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a five‑year memorandum of understanding on Nov. 18 that obligates the county to provide restricted gap funding of up to $1,500,000 to support operations at Rough and Ready Fire Station 59 while Penn Valley and Rough and Ready pursue a consolidation. County staff said the assistance will be limited to operational support and capped at $500,000 per fiscal year through June 30, 2031.

Patrick Eidben, assistant county executive officer, told the board the MOU is intended as temporary “gap funding” to keep Station 59 staffed and operational while the districts complete a LAFCO reorganization that requires five‑year financial projections. Craig Griesbach, director of Information and General Services, said the MOU includes reporting deliverables—budget accounting and annual audits—and a deadline to submit final reorganization statements by Dec. 1, 2026, though districts said they will attempt to finish sooner.

Board members pressed staff on accountability and legal exposure. County counsel clarified the county is not assuming ongoing responsibility as a fire services operator; as a successor agency the county’s role would be limited to fiscal winding‑down if a district dissolved. Supervisors also asked for specific timing for financial document provision and for a public communications plan; the board included both items in the motion.

Rough and Ready and Penn Valley officials and volunteers urged the board to approve the MOU. Doug Whitler, chair of the Rough and Ready board, and Joey Jordan, Penn Valley board chair, described multi‑year fundraising, auxiliary donations and recent additions of paramedic staffing that community members said improved response times. Several residents recounted past wildfire evacuations and said local staffing reduced medical and fire‑response times.

Supervisor Lisa, who moved the measure, said the board’s support is aimed at preserving regional emergency capacity while the districts pursue longer‑term funding solutions such as tax measures or state support. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call.

Next steps: staff will monitor deliverables, review invoices and audits, and hold districts accountable to the MOU terms; the board asked staff to return with updates if key milestones are missed or additional policy actions are required.