Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
21 issues in taxes budget
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Closed-session transparency and Brown Act concerns
Multiple residents accused the board of discussing elected-official pay in a closed session that legally excludes that topic, and of spending too much time behind closed doors generally. The board deferred the negotiator-appointment decision to a future agendized item.
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.
Retroactive Social Services Title Change
The county retitled its Chief Deputy Director of Social Services to Assistant Director retroactive to last September, which drew public criticism that retroactive raises aren't normal practice.
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.
Senior meal funding cuts
Social Services says roughly 400 people will lose their frozen Meals on Wheels benefit slots and go on a waiting list as funding dries up and costs rise. Officials hope raising the eligibility age to 65 lets them keep serving everyone currently enrolled.
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.