This defeat, coupled with the county’s steady land development and increasing population is placing more strain on the county’s fire protection facilities than ever. Ensuing discussion was centered around why Measure L failed. The main reason cited was the lack of a structured plan of action. Jackson Volunteer firefighter Capt. Frank Tremaine was quick to point out that this lead to many volunteer fire fighters not backing the measure, in fear that they would not see any of the increased support. Other reasons stated for the defeat of the measure were tied to insufficient public education regarding the purpose of the tax, as well as the absence of support from the county’s newspaper, the Amador Ledger Dispatch. As far as the elements of a specific plan for the money, most of those present at the meeting felt that the county was in need of a consolidated fire protection authority.

The main problem with consolidation was quickly articulated by Ione fire-chief Ken Mackey, who talked about the mistrust amongst the citizens of Ione left over from the 1983 consolidation of the county school districts which lead to the high school being relocated from Ione to Jackson. Mackey stated that such a plan would certainly have to specify the location of a consolidated fire house in Ione, and even then he still warned of misgivings concerning consolidation from Ione voters. As the meeting came to a close, the only motion made and seconded by the Board was to set the initiative for the November 2008 ballot, which would leave plenty of time to outline a plan and educate the voters. It was established that that the outline of a specific plan will be determined by the fire chiefs at their monthly chief‘s meetings.