Board Meeting Spotlights Speed Limits, Fire Safety, and Finances

DOWNIEVILLE — The Sierra County Board of Supervisors convened on Tuesday to tackle the following issues.

Caltrans Finalizes Sierra City Speed Limit Updates

The Public Works Department received confirmation from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) about Highway 49 speed limit changes in Sierra City. Originally proposed limits will take effect as planned, despite public input, and new signage is still pending. Eastbound, the 35-mile-per-hour zone now begins at the library. A transitional zone with a 50-mile-per-hour limit starts before the Wild Plum Road intersection.

Despite the adjustments, the county hosted a successful walk-through with Caltrans officials in Sierra City, after which several engineering changes were approved to slow traffic. These include temporary speed bumps—potentially replaced with a permanent snow plow-friendly option if effective—along with wide lane line paintings, “keep clear” signage near the fire station, and two new crosswalks.

Sierra County Fire Protection District #1 Appointment Deferred

Supervisors faced the task of filling two vacant positions on the Sierra County Fire Protection District #1 (SCFPD#1) board. Ben Hitchcock secured the Sierra Brooks-specific role. The at-large position, however, stirred debate with two candidates in contention.

Shannon Hoyt of Calpine brings prior SCFPD#1 board experience from 2011, plus 14 years as a firefighter and EMT and 5 years as Battalion Chief with the Calpine Volunteer Fire Department. Tom McElroy of Sierraville serves on the Sierraville Public Utility District board and has held roles with Tahoe XC and the Auburn Ski Club. Hoyt, a 35-year Calpine resident, joined the meeting by phone, emphasizing his goal to boost volunteer numbers and enhance fire and medical services.

McElroy did not attend, yet Supervisor Sharon Dryden moved to appoint him, seconded by Supervisor Terry LeBlanc. SCFPD#1 board member Thomas Archer voiced support for McElroy after the motion was made, stating, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with him over the past five years in his capacity as a board director for the Sierraville Public Utility District. Tom is an outstanding leader. He’s decisive. He’s aware of the needs of budgeting.” Dryden noted her familiarity with McElroy’s work and discussions with SCFPD#1 board members.

Hoyt raised concerns, saying, “This is my third attempt at this position, and I’m showing a bunch of interest, and I’m kind of curious what the discussions were with other commissioners that would make it to where me, being a more qualified person, wouldn’t be the candidate of choice, because I’m a little baffled.” Chair Lee Adams replied he had no explanation and that a motion was already in play.

Hoyt requested a delay after the testimony from Archer, noting, “I didn’t really realize that this would also be a character reference ability for folks to call in and be able to speak of the character reference of someone.” Hoyt recalled a similar chain of events the last time he applied for the position and argued he should be given the chance to bring his own character references.

Dryden withdrew her motion “out of an abundance of fairness.” The board agreed to postpone the decision until the next meeting on May 20th in Loyalton, encouraging both candidates to attend in person.

Cal Fire Updated Fire Hazard Maps Adopted

Supervisors approved updated Cal Fire maps extending fire hazard severity zones into Local Responsibility Areas (LRAs). Properties in high-severity LRAs must now follow state vegetation management rules. While most of Sierra County falls under State Responsibility Areas already subject to such standards, some Loyalton properties face new classifications. The Mountain Messenger is seeking details on local impacts.

County Considers 211 Supports

Nevada Sierra Connecting Point presented its 211 service, a free phone line linking residents to community resources, which is already used in emergencies across Northern California counties. Additional offerings include state program assistance, emergency alert sign-ups, adult services, tobacco cessation referrals, and power outage planning. Calls remain confidential, though demographic data could be shared with the county.

Setup costs for Sierra County are estimated at $8,000. Supervisors expressed interest but voiced cost concerns, planning further staff discussions before a final decision.

Courthouse Flooring Replacement Stalls

A $25,000 budget was set to replace Sierra County Courthouse flooring in Downieville. However, quotes neared $180,000, likely due to asbestos removal needs. Public Works Director Bryan Davey will explore alternatives, as the board rejected the bids due to the overage.

County Income Lower Than Expected

Two revenue sources fell short of projections. The Secure Rural Schools Program paid $108,000 instead of $300,000, possibly its final contribution, impacting schools and roads. The Highway User Tax Account, funded by gas taxes, delivered $71,000 rather than the typical $105,000. Director Davey is investigating the gas tax shortfall.

Fees Waived for Pike City Fire Storage Building

The Pliocene Ridge Community Services District is constructing a storage building at the Pike City Fire House. Supervisors waived the usual $1,000 special use permit fee due to the district’s limited budget, though $500, which goes to other agencies involved in the process, will still be collected.