Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Meeting continuity despite audio system failure
The chamber's audio system failed right after the meeting started and couldn't be fixed, meaning the public couldn't hear or stream the meeting for most of the session. The Board used a state open-meeting law provision to keep going after a one-hour wait.
Microsoft O365 software purchase for Social Services
Social Services wants to skip formal bidding and spend up to $265,000 over three years on 200 Microsoft O365 subscriptions and server licenses from SHI International. The county says it's needed for security, compliance, and the state's new Child Protective Services case management system arriving in October 2026.
Elections costs and second special election
The August special election adds roughly $115,000 to the elections budget, and new SB 255 costs aren't yet included. The elections office is also the county's only passport acceptance facility.
County spending and health and human services contracts
The consent agenda bundles roughly $2 million in health, mental health, drug and alcohol, and child support service agreements along with routine county warrant payments. These contracts fund long-term mental health care placements, a drug and alcohol counselor for Prop 47 families, and public health planning grants.
Community Services Block Grant funding
The Community Action Agency sought approval of a state agreement worth up to $302,929 in CSBG funds through April 2027, supporting social services for low-income residents.