Plumas Supervisors Approve Resolution on Use of Dixie Fire Settlement Funds

QUINCY — Following a contentious public hearing at its May 6 meeting, the Plumas County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution outlining principles and priorities for using funds from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to address damages caused by the Dixie Fire. Plumas County received $7.8 million from a settlement between PG&E and District Attorneys in the fire-affected areas.

The resolution, approved on May 6, guides the Board in spending unobligated settlement funds based on three key principles:

Value readiness and ensure transparency and accountability.

Leverage resources, avoid duplication, build community resilience, and sustain recovery efforts for long-term impact.

Restore the county’s stability and protect its future sustainability.

It also sets three priority uses for the funds:

Support recovery and rebuilding projects in the hardest-hit Dixie Fire communities of Greenville, Canyon Dam, Indian Falls, and Warner Valley.

Rebuild non-county-owned public infrastructure in the affected areas.

Rebuild county-owned structures—the Sheriff’s substation, Greenville library, and Greenville town hall—and reimburse the county for organizational losses.

The resolution acts as a framework, naming three specific county-owned structures but leaving other projects and locations in the affected communities undefined. It aims to provide direction without locking in exact plans.

The public hearing before the vote grew tense as attendees raised concerns. Some accused Supervisors Kevin Goss and Mimi Hall of having conflicts of interest, with two speakers urging Supervisor Goss to step back from fund-related decisions due to his and his associates’ land ownership in Greenville, a potential rebuilding site.

Other speakers expressed frustration over funds going to consultants and non-profits, feeling local voices from impacted areas were overlooked. However, Sheriff Todd Johns and other speakers countered by noting multiple chances for public input, stressing collaboration, and encouraging the Board to move forward with the resolution.

The Supervisors adopted the resolution unanimously after the hearing.