Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lassen County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in water utilities
Electric school buses and PG&E programs
Supervisor Albaugh pressed PG&E on electric school buses that can't handle cold weather and hills, and on red tape holding up a Westwood co-generation project. PG&E also pitched its advisory program and rate discounts for income-qualified customers.
Honey Lake TV signal problems and budget
The nonprofit got five rare FCC broadcast licenses and will add channels for Doyle, Milford and maybe Westwood — without raising the $25-per-home fee. The board adopted its $146,752 budget unanimously.
Waterworks District I board vacancies
Two seats on the Lassen County Waterworks District I board were vacant, and the county had to sort out who legally appoints members under Government Code 55301. The Board confirmed the sitting members and appointed Cindy Harbert.
Clear Creek CSD governance crisis
The county granted a permanent easement so the Clear Creek Community Services District can trench across a county park for its multi-million dollar water project — a new pump station, a tank on the hill, and a line toward Westwood with fire-suppression capability. The park will be restored per the plans.
Big Valley Groundwater Basin Advisory Committee quorum fix
The county must file its annual groundwater report with the state by April 1 — a requirement Albaugh blasted as a costly burden and urged fighting if SGMA is ever proposed for other basins.
Skedaddle Substation and transformer tariff
LMUD's new substation connecting to NV Energy is nearly built, but a Brazil-built transformer faces a $3 million federal tariff — about 10% of LMUD's annual budget. LMUD leaders are heading to Washington, D.C. to try to get relief.