Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Amador County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in taxes budget
Arroyo Ditch loan repayment
Plymouth paid back the $150,000 principal on its defaulted county loan and got a break on interest — $5,000 a year for three years — with money returning to the county's Water Development Fund.
Chief Probation Officer salary
The Board cut the incoming Chief Probation Officer's pay from $88.87 to $83 an hour on a 3-1 vote, over objections from the retiring chief, the incoming chief, and the Sheriff, who called it unfair to the first woman ever to hold the job. Supervisor Oneto framed it as fiscal necessity, not a statement about the new chief.
Structural budget deficit in FY 2026-27
The county adopted its final budget for the year, but the CAO told supervisors next year could start $3.5 million in the red thanks to rising PERS, health care, and insurance costs, plus slowing property and sales tax growth. Expect more cuts and hard conversations ahead.
2026 Property Assessments and Slow Housing Growth
Assessments rose just over 3% countywide and only 55 new homes were built last year. More than half the county's homes aren't anyone's primary residence — inherited and vacant homes are a growing drag on neighborhoods and school enrollment.
Abandoned Vehicle Abatement fee on the ballot
The $1-per-vehicle fee failed in 2022, and the county has run out of money to tow junk cars and motor homes. Voters will decide again in November; the board flattened the fee to $1 for all vehicle types to improve its odds.
Tax Collector/Treasurer transition
Longtime Treasurer-Tax Collector Elizabeth Nelson retires August 14; Candace Thomas, a nine-year county employee, takes over.
Nonprofit facility fee waivers need a policy
The SIR waiver exposed an ad hoc system: the county charges nonprofits like the Girl Scouts, Rotary, and churches to use county halls. Supervisors agreed to craft an overarching waiver policy — with criteria like financial hardship and community benefit — at the June 16 meeting.
Park Use Fees and Waivers
Facing a budget deficit, the county took over parks and is now charging rental fees — and sorting through waiver requests from the Senior Center, Rotary, Girl Scouts, and Sierra Baptist Church. The Board set a pattern of reduced fees rather than full waivers, cutting costs about 30-70% depending on the group.