Notice of Public Hearing

LAFCO Project No. 2022-05 Reorganization of the Placer Hills and Newcastle Fire Protection Districts

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)

WHERE: Board of Supervisors’ Chambers, 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603

WHEN: February 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as may be heard

SUBJECT: LAFCO Project No. 2022-05 Reorganization of the Placer Hills and Newcastle Fire Protection Districts

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO or Commission) will conduct a public hearing to consider a proposed sphere of influence amendment and concurrent reorganization of the Placer Hills and Newcastle Fire Protection Districts (FPDs). The proposed reorganization consists of the dissolution of the Newcastle FPD and the annexation of the dissolved district’s territory to the Placer Hills FPD (Reorganized District). The affected territory consists of the service area of the Newcastle FPD, which includes unincorporated community of Newcastle.

PURPOSE OF REORGANIZATION

As stated in the application, the proposed reorganization is intended to achieve greater economy and efficiency in providing fire protection and emergency services. As proposed, all assets and liabilities would be transferred to the Reorganized District, which would serve as successor agency to Newcastle FPD. Placer Hills FPD currently provides comprehensive administrative services to Newcastle FPD under contract. The proposal indicates that fire protection and emergency response service levels in the Newcastle area would be improved following the reorganization, particularly with respect to paramedic staffing levels.

FISCAL IMPACT & SPECIAL TAXES

As part of the proposed reorganization, the Reorganized District would be subject to the following:  

  • The existing Placer Hills FPD special taxes would continue to be levied within the original Placer Hills FPD boundaries of the Reorganized District.
  • The existing Newcastle FPD special taxes would continue to be levied within the original Newcastle FPD boundaries of the Reorganized District.
  •  Additionally, pursuant to Government Code Section 56886(b), the Placer Hills FPD Measure A special tax is proposed to be levied within the former territory of Newcastle FPD, and all special taxes and property tax allocations will transfer to the Reorganized District.
  • Measure A was approved by voters in 2019 to maintain rapid local emergency paramedic and fire response services, with a base rate of $185.00 per parcel per year, subject to annual inflationary adjustments capped at 3% per year. For the 2025 tax year, the total Measure A charge was $220.00 per parcel. 

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA)

The proposed reorganization has been determined to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15061(b)(3) and 15320 (Class 20), as the proposal involves a reorganization of a local governmental agency that does not result in changes to the geographical area in which existing governmental powers are exercised.

PROTEST PROCEEDING AND VOTING

If the Commission approves the proposal, it will conduct additional notice and hold a protest proceeding whereby registered voters and landowners within the affected territory of Newcastle FPD may submit written protests or otherwise indicate opposition to the proposed reorganization. Depending on the level of protest received, the Commission may terminate its approval or order an election whereby registered voters would be called upon to vote on the proposed reorganization.

HEARING DETAILS

 All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard regarding the listed actions. The meeting will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing for in-person and/or virtual participation. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

  • Agenda:The agenda and related meeting materials will be posted on the Commission’s website at www.placerlafcoca.gov/2026-02-11-lafco-commission-meeting at least 72 hours prior to the meeting, and typically available the Friday before the meeting.
  • Written Comments:To be included in the hearing packet materials, written comments must be received by January 14, 2026. Written comments received after that date will be provided to the Commission at the public hearing.
    • Email: lafco@placer.ca.gov
    • Mail: 110 Maple Street Auburn, CA 95603
    • Phone: 530-889-4097
  • Legal Notice: If you challenge the proposed actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the Commission at or prior to the hearing.

Copies of documents related to the proposed action may be reviewed at the LAFCO office, 110 Maple Street, Auburn, CA 95603, or by clicking on the items posted below:

Placer Hills and Newcastle Fire Protection Districts Concurrent Resolution 2025-01.pdfTransition PlanFiscal Study Report
Join our mailing list