Plumas County is facing a potential financial crisis as federal funding through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act remains uncertain. Approximately $3.4 million, crucial for local schools and roads, hangs in the balance after Congress failed to reauthorize the act during last-minute budget negotiations in December. The act provided $33.7 million to California’s rural counties in 2024.
Supervisor Kevin Goss, chair of the Plumas County Board of Supervisors, expressed concern over the potential loss of funds. “It would put enormous strain on a county already financially stressed,” Goss stated. “Without these funds, we would have to look to drastic measures.”
The funding is split equally between the county and the school district. Last year, the county allocated its $1.7 million share to road maintenance. David Keller, District 2 board representative, highlighted the impact on education, saying, “That is not a small amount of money for a small district like ours.”
Andrea White, interim superintendent of the Plumas Unified School District, is joining superintendents statewide to lobby for the act’s reauthorization. County supervisors have also engaged with regional representatives, including Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), urging legislative support.
The Secure Rural Schools Act, initiated in 1908, supports counties with limited tax bases due to federal land ownership. National forest lands cover 70% of Plumas County, impacting its revenue generation. Historically funded by timber sales, the act was established in 2000 to stabilize declining revenues for rural counties.
Despite almost continuous reauthorization since 2000, the act failed to pass in December 2024 after House Speaker Mike Johnson did not bring it to a vote due to funding disagreements among Republicans.
In response, Rep. LaMalfa introduced the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act on February 14, with bipartisan support from representatives in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Washington, and Montana. The proposed legislation would extend payments through fiscal year 2026, crucial for maintaining essential services like public safety and infrastructure.
Keller expressed cautious optimism about the new bill, stating, “We are counting on it working out. We are confident that representatives of our general area will go to bat for us.” However, the bill has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.
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