Preparing for the Future 

New Threats, New Solutions

As wildfires become more frequent and more destructive, heat events become increasingly common, and climate uncertainties mean more risk of droughts, floods, and extreme weather events, Nevada County must be well prepared for ongoing natural disasters. 

Residents are requesting community-wide solutions based on setting big goals to better protect Nevada County residents, homes, and businesses, and securing the necessary ongoing resources to make them a reality. 

After consulting with first responders, key stakeholders, and concerned citizens, County staff is developing a proposal, subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors, for a locally controlled revenue measure that could fund wildfire prevention, emergency services, disaster readiness, and other critical services. Priorities include:

• Removing Flammable Brush: Help prevent wildfires by removing flammable brush countywide from along our roads, in our neighborhoods, around our cities and town, and near critical public infrastructure.
• Improving Evacuation Routes: Improve evacuation routes to get residents out safely and quickly, and first responders in during an emergency.
• Enhancing Emergency Communications: Enhance emergency communications, early warning and 911 response to quickly notify residents during a natural disaster. 
• Improving Enforcement: Improve enforcement of fire safety laws and illegal campfires that increase the threat of wildfires countywide. Help law enforcement ensure our parks, forests, trails, and other public areas are monitored to prevent wildfires and are safe and secure for everyone. 
• Creating Defensible Space: Help low-income seniors and people with disabilities maintain defensible space around their homes.
• Providing Free Green Waste Disposal: Provide free year-round green waste disposal and drop-off sites.

Why A Sales Tax Measure?

Responsive to Community Concerns

After consulting with first responders, key stakeholders, and concerned citizens, County staff have developed a proposal for a locally controlled revenue measure that could fund wildfire prevention, emergency services, disaster readiness, and other critical services. 

A half-cent sales tax would:

• Provide $12 Million annually to address mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery
• Ensure everyone--including visitors--pays their fair share

A half-cent sales tax would NOT:

• Apply to food purchased as groceries
• Put the burden solely on homeowners. THIS IS NOT A PROPERTY TAX.

Lets the Voters Decide

Putting a sales tax measure on the ballot gives Nevada County voters the choice to support this emergency services initiative.

The Board of Supervisors voted to place the proposed measure on the November 8, 2022 General Election ballot at their upcoming August 9th meeting. Watch a recording of the meeting.

Download the Fact Sheet

Nevada County staff has put together a fact sheet with information on the purpose of the sales tax measure.