Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
33 issues in public safety
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Board and district appointments
The Board considered appointments to the Air Pollution Control District Hearing Board and the Public Health Advisory Board.
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.
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.
Cannabis Issues
A resident raised cannabis issues during public comment; no board action was taken.
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.
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.
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.
TinderSmart Tehama wildfire preparedness
Stephanie Dickerson of the Resource Conservation District was scheduled to give a presentation on the TinderSmart Tehama wildfire program. Wildfire preparedness is a perennial concern in Tehama County.
Health Services Agency staffing realignment
A consent item would create new Community Health Worker and Peer Support Specialist classifications and reclassify seven positions, retroactive to January 1, 2025 — affecting staffing in mental health and drug and alcohol services.
Welfare and IHSS fraud investigations agreement
A consent item would have Social Services and the District Attorney sign a shared agreement for fraud investigations, with up to $505,000 in compensation for fiscal year 2026-27.
Executive Director appointment, Health Services Agency
The county is moving on filling its top Health Services Agency job — the person who oversees public health services residents depend on. The Board met privately on the appointment and only said it gave direction to staff; no name or decision was announced.
Public Guardian office placement
A resident asked whether the Public Guardian/Public Administrator might be moved under the District Attorney's Office. The department considered it but decided to keep the function where it is.
Public nuisance enforcement at 5639 Hwy 99W, Corning
The commission was scheduled to hold hearings on Case No. CE-26-6 involving property at 5639 Highway 99W in Corning owned by Frank Johnson, including an appeal of a Notice of Violation and a proposed abatement resolution. If a nuisance were declared, the county could order cleanup and bill the owner for costs.
Certification of June 2, 2026 Primary Election Results
The Board made the June primary results official, declaring who won each county office — including two of its own members, Supervisors Zane and Hansen. This formally locks in county leadership for the coming term.
Jail communications tower replacement
The county is spending about $118,000 to replace the radio tower at the Tehama County Jail, and Sheriff Kain wants a dedicated fund for countywide radio funding.
Social Services office security agreement
The Board was scheduled to consider an agreement with the District Attorney's office to station security personnel at the Red Bluff Social Services office for up to $130,040 in 2026-27 — a workplace safety measure for staff and visitors.
Fire Department funding and equipment replacement
The Fire Department needs about $1.6 million in carry-over funds next year, and faces steep replacement costs — a new fire engine now runs over $1.2 million and a water tender about $800,000. Volunteer recruitment and radio upgrades are ongoing concerns.
Donations to Child Protective Services
The Red Bluff Elks Lodge gave $2,000 in Walmart gift cards and $2,000 in clothing and essentials for children served by CPS.
Mental health agreement amendments
The Board had a cluster of agreements scheduled on consent for psychiatric inpatient care and residential mental health treatment — including Vista Pacifica (up to $985,000) and Willow Glen Care Center (up to $1.6 million total). These contracts fund where county residents go for inpatient and residential care.
Youth drug & alcohol prevention programs
An amended agreement with the Tehama County Department of Education would boost funding for Club Live and Friday Night Live — school-based youth prevention programs — to $88,073 per year.