LAKE COUNTY >> Late last week, the county announced the start of the Valley Fire Recovery Task Force meetings aimed at collecting funds to reimburse the state for debris clearance.
Survivors of the Valley Fire authorized county crews to enter their properties and dispose of any hazardous structural or tree debris that could affect the public’s health and safety. CalRecycle, which was responsible for most of the removal, cleared approximately 1,700 properties.
According to the county’s statement, property owners agreed to pay any amount that was “ultimately reimbursed under their insurance policy” in exchange for the removal of debris.
CalRecylce has been providing invoicing information.
“After a long wait, we realize this is an unwelcome task and a bitter reminder of the losses Valley Fire survivors have endured,” Valley Fire Recovery Coordinator and County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said, “However, cooperation is essential for the County to discharge its obligations to the State, a critical step in the County’s ongoing recovery from disaster.”
This month, three Valley Fire Recovery Task Force meetings will take place in impacted areas. Dates and times are:
Monday, July 10, 6 p.m., Coyote Valley Elementary School for those who lost homes in Hidden Valley Lake.
Monday, July 17, 6 p.m., Twin Pines Casino Event Center for those who lost homes in Middletown and Anderson Springs.
Monday, July 31, 6 p.m., Cobb Elementary School for those who lost homes in Cobb.
At each meeting, packets will be distributed containing all information needed for property owners to pay their personal obligation. Each packet will include a form authorizing the property owner’s insurance company to release information directly to the County, in the event this becomes necessary. County Supervisors Moke Simon, District 1, and Rob Brown, District 5, County Administrative Officer Carol J. Huchingson and County staff will be available to answer questions and respond to concerns.
“The Task Force meetings we held earlier on in our recovery were a vital means of communication with survivors,” said District 5 Supervisor Rob Brown, who has been active in Valley Fire Recovery work. “Now that the time has come to collect on insurance, we are returning to that same approach.”
Property owners who prefer pay at the meeting can bring a check and a copy of the settlement statement from their insurance company detailing the amounts reimbursed for structure debris and/or tree debris removal.
Some may already know the amount their insurance company reimbursed. The county is accepting payments now. Property owners are welcome to mail their settlement statement and check in the appropriate amount to:
County of Lake Administrative Office
ATTN: Valley Fire Recovery
255 North Forbes St.
Lakeport, CA 95453
County officials ask that all Valley Fire survivors who received services from the county or its designee complete and sign the insurance authorization form.
Packets will be sent out via postal mail the next working day for those who are not able to attend the meetings.
“We know how devastating the Valley Fire was to so many families, and we appreciate your working with us now, to ensure our whole community can heal,” said District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon. “That includes meeting obligations to the State and County programs for the services they provided.”
For more information, contact the County of Lake Administrative Office at (707) 263-2580.
