Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Emergency bridge repairs at Kendrick Creek and Thomes Creek
The county is racing to remove gravel and shore up bridge approaches before winter floods, after a private gravel deal fell through. Residents question whether it's a true emergency, but supervisors say years of deferred maintenance left the bridge at real risk.
Sheriff and jail budget growth tied to jail expansion
The board funded the first three of twelve new correctional deputies for the jail expansion; the sheriff warned a nearly $1 million inmate hospital bill may require a mid-year budget request.
Newville Road Bridge and Road Work
Public Works gave updates on the two emergency bridge projects, racing the weather to get permits and do in-creek work before flows return.
Juvenile detention housing contracts with Glenn and Trinity counties
The Sheriff's Office was scheduled to seek funding to hire the first three of twelve correctional deputy positions approved by the Board of State and Community Corrections for the new jail expansion. This affects public safety staffing levels and county payroll going forward.
Animal services spay and neuter program
A $100,000 agreement with Valley Veterinary Clinic RB, Inc. would fund dog and cat spay-and-neuter services for a year, helping control the stray and unwanted animal population in the county.
Groundwater Fees and Flood Control
Flood control district news: de minimis domestic well users won't be charged groundwater sustainability fees, but residents remain frustrated about well registration requirements and Paines Creek flooding.
Elected officials' 2.75% salary increase
Supervisors moved forward with a 2.75% raise for elected officials despite residents and a county union arguing the county should first fix documented pay disparities for rank-and-file workers.
Mental health services contracts worth up to $4.2 million
The county is spending up to $780,000 over two years on telehealth psychiatry for adults and children through Iris Telehealth. Services can happen at home or in the office and are largely reimbursed through Medi-Cal.
Bluffs Community Housing project
The county will pass $11.7 million in state grant funds to a nonprofit partner to build 27 units of permanent supportive housing in Red Bluff for people coming out of homelessness or with behavioral health needs.
Domestic Violence Shelter Services Funding
Empower Tehama served 1,701 people last year and is expanding services to Corning, with candlelight walks in both communities this month.
Film and TV production permit program
County administration was scheduled to lead a study session on creating a permit program for film, television, digital media, and commercial production in Tehama County — potentially opening a new revenue stream and showcasing the area.
Invasive mosquito found in Red Bluff
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes — which can carry dengue, Zika and yellow fever — were found in Red Bluff; health officials urge dumping standing water and using repellent, even in daytime.
Park Fire-burned parcel cleanup
A road-access agreement with Sierra Pacific Industries lets county crews reach the last two burned properties needing debris cleanup, working around a closed bridge at South Antelope Creek.
Data center interest in Tehama County
Supervisor Hansen revealed companies are eyeing county land for data centers paired with gas turbine generation — something current zoning doesn't allow and he's skeptical of given water demands.
Ambulance dispatch services agreement with St. Elizabeth Community Hospital
The Fire Department was seeking Board approval of a dispatch-services agreement with St. Elizabeth Community Hospital for ambulance transport, costing $214,156 per year with 4% annual increases through September 2028. Dispatch quality affects how quickly 911 ambulance calls get routed.
Board of Equalization matters before the Assessor
The annual tax rate resolution was adopted, fixing the rates that appear on county property tax bills for the coming year.
99W and South Main Street Improvement Project completion
Public Works was scheduled to present a Notice of Completion for the 99W and South Main Street improvement project built by S.T. Rhoades Construction, formally wrapping up the road improvements.
Employment programs for CalWORKs participants
Social Services sought an amendment to its contract with Express Employment Professionals to keep running a subsidized employment program for CalWORKs participants, raising the maximum contract to $667,350.
Evergreen Road Bridge Replacement Project completion
Public Works was scheduled to present a Notice of Completion for the Evergreen Road Bridge replacement, closing out the construction contract with J.F. Shea Construction. This is the final paperwork step after the bridge work wrapped up.
FY 2026-27 Property Tax Rates
The annual tax rate resolution was adopted, fixing the rates that appear on county property tax bills for the coming year.
County Recommended Budget FY 2026-27
The annual tax rate resolution was adopted, fixing the rates that appear on county property tax bills for the coming year.
FY 2026-27 County Budget Adoption
The Board adopted the county's $287.4 million budget for the coming fiscal year. The Sheriff publicly criticized the aviation budget line as grossly inflated, signaling possible budget friction with county administration.
Sheriff's aviation budget dispute
Sheriff Dave Kain told the Board the Sheriff's aviation budget is 'grossly inflated' and that his department is already talking with county administration about it — an early sign of a fight over next year's law enforcement funding.
Secure Rural Schools wildfire and search-and-rescue funding
Roughly $166,000 in federal Title III money is going to fire prevention staffing, Search and Rescue equipment, and community wildfire protection work — including free defensible-space help for elderly and disabled property owners.
Fiscal Year 2026/27 County Recommended Budget
The Board adopted the county's $287.4 million budget for the coming fiscal year. The Sheriff publicly criticized the aviation budget line as grossly inflated, signaling possible budget friction with county administration.
Social Services Director salary increase
Alongside the consolidation, the Board raised Social Services Director Rebecca Emery's salary range from 66 to 72. Public speakers criticized the raise as lacking transparency.
European Grape Moth detection agreement
A state cooperative agreement was on the agenda for trapping the Asian citrus psyllid, an insect that threatens citrus trees. It would bring up to $8,837 in state funds to the county Agriculture Department.
Rent Control Ordinance Ad Hoc Committee report
The Board reviewed a revised mobile home rent stabilization ordinance in study session. Park residents asked for action within 30 days; the manufactured housing industry association opposes the draft as written.
Bus Maintenance and Administrative Facility rehabilitation
A change order added nearly $40,000 for temporary power during electrical work at the transit facility, slightly exceeding the project budget — paid from Local Transportation Funds.
Consolidation of Public Guardian/Public Administrator into Social Services Director
The Board changed the County Charter to fold the Public Guardian/Public Administrator job into the Social Services Director role. Residents packed the hearing questioning whether it saves money and whether it's legal; the Board's top administrator says money is being saved and service is better.
Grand Jury Report response
The Board signed off on its required responses to the FY 25-26 Grand Jury Report, with public speakers criticizing the report's subject matter and past Brown Act accusations.
Public Health Advisory Board appointments
The Board was scheduled to appoint several voting members and alternates to the Public Health Advisory Board, representing Rolling Hills Clinic, Social Services, and Environmental Health, plus accept a resignation.
Sheriff's Office staffing and operations
Five separate action items under Sheriff Dave Kain were on the agenda, likely covering staffing, contracts, and purchasing for the Sheriff's Office. Details are unknown without the meeting record.
City of Tehama road maintenance services
The County will provide on-call minor road repair for the City of Tehama for the next five years, with individual jobs capped at $45,000.
Board and district appointments
The Board considered appointments to the Air Pollution Control District Hearing Board and the Public Health Advisory Board.
Meals on Wheels service funding
The Board was scheduled to consider an interagency MOU funding up to $245,562 for Meals on Wheels meals through the Community Action Agency and Probation for the fiscal year. This program delivers meals to homebound residents.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 adopted budget
The Board decided by consensus how to spend remaining fund balance: one vehicle each for the Sheriff's Office and Probation, with the rest going into the Strategic Priorities Account.
Solar permit fee cost recovery
A resolution on solar permit fees for Building, Fire, and Planning was pulled back for more public explanation. Critics said it conflicts with state solar permitting law and slammed excessive department fees.
Public safety ordinance
The Sheriff, District Attorney, and Probation Department jointly brought forward an ordinance for the Board's consideration. Details weren't available in the materials provided, but it's a coordinated public-safety measure worth watching.
Human trafficking victim advocacy grant
The District Attorney's office planned to apply for a $147,000 CalOES grant to support human trafficking advocacy work. Grant money means more victim services without raising local costs.
WIC program funding increase
The county's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program contract got a proposed $72,579 bump, bringing total funding to about $3.05 million. That supports nutrition help for local families with young children.
Animal Care Center medical donation
The Animal Care Center stood to receive a $19,560.40 donation from the Paschek Living Trust for its medical fund — money that helps pay care costs for shelter animals. A nice boost for the county's animal services without touching the county budget.
Cannabis Issues
A resident raised cannabis issues during public comment; no board action was taken.
Bywood Drive Road Division Charges
Property owners in the Bywood Drive Permanent Road Division saw their 2026-27 parcel charges confirmed with an inflation adjustment after a public hearing with no protests.
Supervisor Salary Charter Amendment
Supervisors want voters to raise their pay from $1,045 a month to state minimum wage (about $35,000/year), tied to future minimum-wage increases. Burroughs opposes, saying the county can't afford it while in debt. Similar ballot measures failed twice before, and critics say the full compensation package is far higher than advertised.
Elected Department Heads Negotiations
Elected department heads asked to negotiate directly with the Board. The Board agreed the Chair and Vice Chair will meet with them.
Countywide emergency radio communications project
The county set up a dedicated reserve account for upgrading emergency radio communications, anchoring a $550,000 federal Community Project Funding award and requiring board sign-off on future spending.
Tehama County Transit Agency possible separation
Supervisor Hansen reported TCTC is exploring separating from the county, with two benefit-package options under review — one nearly doubling costs. The new public works director will study benefits and liabilities.
Flock camera program expansion
Sheriff Kain told the board the county's ten Flock license-plate cameras are used for criminal investigations — not traffic enforcement — with no ICE data-sharing agreement, and the county hopes to add cameras with help from partner agencies.
DUI enforcement grant funding
The Sheriff's Office accepted $104,100 from the Cannabis Tax Fund grant program for DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols and drug-recognition training, in coordination with CHP and neighboring agencies.