07/31/2025
Dear Neighbor,
As a valued member of the Lake Almanor Basin communities, we are sharing important information about a grassroots initiative currently underway—one that seeks to strengthen local governance and ensure more equitable resource allocation for our region.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
The Lake Almanor Basin is part of Plumas County’s District 3, which accounts for approximately $2.4 billion in assessed property value with 7,392 secured and 1,194 unsecured making it a significant economic contributor to the county.
Despite this, many residents feel that our region does not receive a proportionate share of services and oversight. Concerns have been raised about financial inefficiencies and the centralization of services in Quincy, prompting a closer look at how local governance could better reflect our needs.
OUR VISION: Local Governance Through City Incorporation
Given our size and economic contribution, it is both timely and feasible to consider incorporating the Lake Almanor Basin as an independent city. This would allow us to exercise greater control over local priorities, resources, and community development.
We have initiated a thorough exploration into this possibility. The first and most critical step is the completion of a Preliminary Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis (PCFA)—an independent, third-party study that will assess the financial viability of incorporation. This includes projected revenues, expenditures, debt capacity, and the legal requirement of "revenue neutrality"*.
The PCFA will be conducted by a neutral third-party in partnership with 3-Sixty, Inc., our nonprofit 501(c)(3), and in collaboration with our newly formed Lake Almanor Taxpayers Association (LATPA). The cost of the PCFA is estimated at $60,000 to $75,000, with a 5 – 7 month completion timeline.
STEPS TOWARD INCORPORATION (Abbreviated):
Conduct PCFA – Evaluate financial viability.
Community Engagement – Share findings and gather input through LATPA.
Contact Special Districts – Initiate collaborative planning.
Engage LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission)– Submit application, which includes a Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis (CFA) (~$125,000), a legal requirement.
Review & Release – LAFCO staff releases CFA and initial review.
Public Comment Period – Community feedback incorporated into LAFCO’s final recommendation.
Incorporation Vote – If fewer than 20% of property owners object, the measure proceeds to a vote (within proposed city boundaries). A simple majority (51%) is required for approval.
Transition Period – If approved, Plumas County continues services until the new city’s infrastructure is in place (up to 12 months).
SUPPORTING THE EFFORT: Your Participation Matters
As we move forward, engaging the entire Lake Almanor Basin community is vital. Our goal is to create opportunities for everyone to learn more about city incorporation and to share their perspectives. To that end, we are organizing a series of informational sessions across the Basin, with the intention of making these events as accessible and inclusive as possible.
We welcome ideas for gathering spaces/public venues, community centers, or any neutral locations where neighbors feel comfortable coming together to learn and ask questions. If you are interested in helping facilitate community conversations or know of a good location to host one, we would love to hear from you.
Our nonprofit, 3-Sixty, Inc., is working diligently to secure funding for the initial study that will determine whether incorporation is viable. Contributions from those who are willing and able are appreciated, but just as important is your engagement, ideas, and outreach to others in the community.
To get involved—whether through attending a session, helping organize a gathering, or simply staying informed—please reach out to us at:
[email protected]
Thank you for being part of this important dialogue. Together, we can shape a future that reflects the needs and values of the entire Lake Almanor Basin.
Sincerely,
The Lake Almanor Taxpayers Association (LATPA)
*In California, "revenue neutrality" generally refers to a requirement that when a community considers incorporation, it must ensure that the county's revenue will not be negatively impacted by the incorporation. This concept is also sometimes referred to as "municipal alimony," as it requires the new city to effectively compensate the county for lost revenue. It is a financial test to ensure that the county will not lose revenue due to the incorporation of a new city, (1992 California Senate Bill 1559).
NOTE: Photograph is DRAFT/UNOFFICIAL city boundary map
