The Butte County Board of Supervisors will discuss the future of library and fire station funding tomorrow morning.
During the county’s budgeting process earlier this year, three rural fire stations were nearly closed after the board quietly voted for the seasonal winter closure of the stations last December. And library hours were almost slashed again after also being reduced at that time. Both were saved after an outpouring of resistance from community members.
Supervisors used county contingency funds to pay for the two services, until a long-term solution could be found such as a tax increase.
Two outside firms were brought in to conduct polling and research to see if residents would approve a tax hike.
The first phase of the funding analysis is now complete.
If the board decides to move forward with the report’s current funding plan, phase two of the project — which is public campaigning for the tax increase — will most likely begin.
In addition, supervisors will discuss whether hauled water could be used as a permanent source for drought-prone and natural disaster areas. They’ll also vote on a contract with Chico State Enterprises to provide support services for older adults with disabilities and on whether to oppose an assembly juvenile justice and crime prevention bill that would redirect nearly $1 million in federal funds away from public agencies.
Tomorrow’s meeting begins at 9 a.m. and is open to the public.
