Civic Issues

2027 Legislative Platform and state advocacy

The county's annual wishlist for Sacramento: flexibility to reuse the fairgrounds racetrack property, safeguards against abusive remote public comment, and state funding to fix aging veterans memorial buildings. The platform also adds a new principle opposing state mandates without reimbursement and responds to federal HR 1 changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh.

Reorganization of county advisory boards

Item 7 dissolves the EDC Advisory Board and transitions Creative Sonoma's advisory board — both boards themselves recommended the change to avoid duplicative oversight. Supervisor Hermosillo checked before voting that the boards supported it.

Retiree cost-of-living under AB 1601

A new state law lets the county explore a targeted cost-of-living boost for the lowest-benefit retirees. The retirement system is 94% funded with $4.3 billion in assets, and staff will bring cost scenarios back around February or March.

Employee engagement and workplace culture

The county's second employee survey is underway at 40% response; results come back in 2027. Departments reported wins like Walktober wellness walks and a revamped, shorter survey.

Racial Equity Action Plan implementation

The Office of Equity's first required progress report shows 9 of 10 strategies moving, 120 department-led equity initiatives, and three new programs — mentorship, inclusive hiring, and equity competencies for managers — rolling out to pilot departments in spring 2027.

Tamayo Madarieta claim settlement

The county settled an employment claim for $225,000 in closed session, with Hermosillo recused.

Palm Drive Health Care District tax rates and budget

The board set the health care district's property and parcel tax rates and adopted its FY 2026-27 budget, which funds local health care services.

West Sonoma County Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District

Supervisors were set to act on the financing plan for a West Sonoma County EIFD — a tool that channels a slice of property tax growth into local infrastructure — and hear how EIFDs affect the county's general fund.

FY 2026-27 County Budget Adoption

If the budget requires it, departments would be authorized to conduct layoffs under Civil Service Rule 11, while human resources works to avoid cutting jobs where possible.

Campaign contribution limits for sheriff and DA

The Board killed a proposal to raise campaign contribution limits for the sheriff and district attorney, after speakers argued it would benefit an incumbent sheriff criticized for ICE cooperation and would let outside money influence local elections.

Fairgrounds workers' compensation settlement

Code enforcement fines placed on property tax rolls

Residents — including a Cooper Road homeowner facing over $10,000 in costs — told the board the county's code enforcement fine process felt opaque and financially punishing. The board kept the item but directed staff to make one final push to set up payment plans before fines hit August tax bills.

Appropriations Limits for County and Special Districts

The Board was set to establish the legal ceiling on how much the county, its special districts, county service areas, and the agricultural preservation and open space district can spend under state law.