Measure T: Increase Fire Safety Funding by Voting "Yes" This September
Tahoe Donner encourages you to vote YES on Measure T. This September (previously scheduled for August), a special election in Nevada and Placer counties will feature Measure T, created by the Truckee Fire Protection District to proactively increase wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. The Tahoe Donner Board of Directors has unanimously voted to encourage its residents to support this ballot for the safety of their community both in and beyond Tahoe Donner. In addition to support, the board voted to donate $10,000 for the benefit of all Tahoe Donner members.
Measure T requires at least 66.7% of the votes cast to be YES on T, so your vote is more important than ever. This margin ensures that passage of the measure reflects the community’s solid resolve to get serious about fire prevention.
BACKGROUND
The Town of Truckee is no stranger to the larger, faster and more destructive wildfire danger that California has seen in recent years. Additional resources to reduce this threat are more important than ever to clear dry brush, remove hazards and protect residents against emergencies. As the rest of the west is being challenged with increased wildfire dangers, grants the Truckee Fire Protection District relied on in the past are becoming increasingly competitive, delayed and inadequate when it comes to protecting our community.
DETAILS
Measure T, a tax measure that would generate approximately $3.7 million annually, is a proposal to provide the Truckee Fire Protection District with increased defensible space and green waste disposal options for property owners, early fire detection and more. All funding would be controlled locally if approved by two-thirds of local voters. This tax rate would be a fixed cost of $179 per parcel per year, which averages out to $0.49 per day. Exemptions are available. Learn more.
BENEFITS TO TAHOE DONNER
One of the most effective stewardship examples in the nation belongs to Tahoe Donner. Though the Forestry Department has made incredible progress, wildfire threat is a communal issue. The association is only as strong as its neighboring landowner; in this regard, investing in Measure T is to invest in the overall strength of Truckee and Tahoe Donner. Improvements to the association itself from Measure T funding would come to Tahoe Donner through multiple opportunities. In addition to increased waste disposal services to provide peace of mind for those creating green waste in their yards, Tahoe Donner would earn its share of allocation money from this measure to invest in fire-prevention projects. This additional funding would allow more work to be done faster, and it would ensure Tahoe Donner remains a leader in defensible space work.
VOTING INFO
Only registered voters within Truckee Fire Protection District are allowed to vote in this election; this includes all of Tahoe Donner. Make sure you are registered correctly by August 30 if you choose to participate and check your registration status at registertovote.ca.gov. To learn more about the details of Measure T, the voting process and more, visit YesonT.vote. To learn more about voting in this election, take advantage of the following resources:
Nevada County Registrar of Voters
SUPPORT MEASURE T
All ballots for the September election will be received via mail. All ballots for the September 14 election will be received via mail the week of August 16. Ballots must be returned by September 14. Ballot drop boxes and in-person voting will be available. Measure T requires at least 66.7% to pass. This means that it is important to mobilize as many YES votes as possible. To help pass Measure T, please consider making a donation and endorsing this measure for you and your community. If possible, email the campaign to offer your help.
Aside from voting, there are three additional ways you can support this measure:
- Donate to support the campaign
- Endorse the measure publicly and through their form
- Volunteer your time; no experience needed and training provided
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IF APPROVED, WHAT PROGRAMS WOULD MEASURE T SUPPORT?
Measure T could address the following needs:
- Removing dry brush, dead trees and fire hazards
- Improving emergency evacuation routes and procedures
- Adding firebreaks where needed to help prevent or slow the spread of wildfire
- Improving early fire detection and emergency warning systems
- Supporting defensible space and hardening around homes, neighborhoods and critical infrastructure
- Providing homeowners with easy and inexpensive disposal options for trimmings and green waste
HOW WOULD MEASURE T AFFECT INSURANCE COSTS FOR RESIDENTS?
Reducing the risk of wildfire would likely increase the availability of fire insurance in our area, reduce the number of canceled policies and potentially reduce fire insurance premiums. It’s important to note that fire insurance premiums are based on more than local conditions, and each carrier’s policies differ.
WHAT LEVEL OF SUPPORT DOES MEASURE T NEED TO PASS?
Measure T needs to be supported by 66.7% of those who vote on the measure in order for it to pass.
HOW CAN I REGISTER TO VOTE OR LEARN MORE ABOUT VOTING?
You can register to vote or check your registration status at registertovote.ca.gov. To learn more about voting in this election, contact the Nevada County Registrar of Voters at (530) 265-1298.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
If you have any questions or feedback about Measure T, please contact info@YESonT.vote. You can also visit YesonT.vote to learn more.
