Background and history

 
 

Historical Context

In 1973, property owners in what is now known as the Martis Valley requested annexation into the Truckee Fire Protection District to ensure fire protection services for future development. In 1974, the District approved this annexation (now known as Zone 7) with the understanding Truckee Fire would receive property tax revenues on future improvements to support fire protection services for new development in Zone 7.

The Development Boom

Over the past 20-25 years, Placer County has approved more than $4 billion in development within the Martis Valley area, including the communities of:

  • Lahontan

  • Martis Camp

  • Schaffer's Mill

While these developments have significantly increased the demand for fire protection services, Placer County has not allocated the corresponding property tax revenue to the Fire District. This creates several issues:

  1. Funding Disparity: The District receives less than1% of the property tax from these areas, which is insufficient to provide adequate fire protection services.

  2. Broken Promises: In 1997, Placer County agreed to include property tax for Martis Valley in Truckee Fire’s property tax allocation each year. Placer County failed to follow through on the agreement.

  3. Community Plan Requirements: The County's Community Plan for Martis Valley identified the need to fund fire protection services as development occurred, yet the County failed to satisfy this policy because Truckee Fire did not received additional funding as the developments grew.

Critical Funding Gap

  • Total Shortfall: ~$40 million

  • Annual Deficit: ~$4 million

These missing funds could provide:

  • More firefighters and staff

  • New fire stations

  • Modern equipment

  • Enhanced fire prevention programs

To understand why local fire insurance rates are rising, learn more about ISO ratings here.

Discover how property tax funding impacts local fire protection—click here to learn more.

Special Circumstances

Several unique factors make this situation particularly challenging:

  1. Increased use of tax exempt infrastructure. These developments increase the use of services like the airport, sewer plant, hospital and schools, all of which are tax exempt but need fire protection services.

  2. Workforce Housing Impact: The required workforce housing development (Meadow View Place Apartments) is tax-exempt but requires significant emergency services, further straining district resources.

  3. Fire Risk: The Martis Valley area faces significant wildfire risks, making adequate fire protection particularly critical.

Previous Attempts at Resolution

The Fire District has attempted numerous times over two decades to resolve this issue through:

  • Direct negotiations with Placer County

  • Formal funding requests

  • Appeals to the Board of Supervisors

  • Exploration of alternative funding mechanisms

Legal Authority

Placer County has clear authority and responsibility to address this issue:

  • Authority: Revenue and Taxation Code Section 99

  • Responsibility: Martis Valley Community Plan Policy 6.H.3

  • Guidance: Placer County Board of Supervisor Resolution 80-142

In 1973 Mrs. Bertha Woolverton penned a letter requesting annexation into the Truckee Fire Protection District for properties that we have come to know as the Martis Valley. (Exhibit #1)