Cal Tahoe JPA plans on moving ambulances to new home as fire station reopens

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The City of South Lake Tahoe let the Cal Tahoe JPA know in 2018 they would need their mid-town fire station back so they could increase fire services to the community. Originally planned for the fall of 2019, the move is now getting closer due to a grant to help with the hiring of new firefighters and outfitting its reopening.

In 2016, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR) got out of the "ambulance business" and moved all of those services to the Cal Tahoe JPA. At the time they let the ambulances and JPA offices operate out of Station #2 on Lake Tahoe Boulevard at no charge.

Now, the City is reopening that station and needs the JPA to relocate. The City has offered the closed Lake Tahoe Visitor's Authority building by the campground and museum to be the ambulance base (one block away), essentially at no cost again, according to City Manager Frank Rush.

The official approval of the proposed building for them down the street rests with the City Council and approval of a lease agreement with the JPA. This is expected to be discussed at their February 11 meeting.

Both sides plan on the JPA to be moved by March 1 but there are still some issues to work out beside the lease agreement. SLTFR will need to add new bay doors prior to their moving in.

The JPA needs to select a contractor to get the old LTVA building upgraded to fit their needs, according to JPA Executive Director Ryan Wagoner. The LTVA moved out two years ago when there was a roof issue that led to major leaking, but that has since been fixed and the building as a new roof and interior drywall and paint.

Before the formation of the city, this building was the County Jail.

Wagoner said the lower the lease amount from the City, the more they can spend on "tenant improvements." He said they are asking for a five-year lease and will continue to explore more permanent housing options.