Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
29 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Sewer fees move to the property tax roll
Sanitation District No. 1 will collect regular and delinquent sewer fees through next year's property tax bill. Residents with long-overdue bills face final collection, and tax-exempt veterans will see sewer charges on tax bills for the first time.
Verizon cell tower siting near Paskenta residences
A 100-foot Verizon tower is planned on Crane Mill Road, just 103 to 340 feet from homes. Residents wanted it moved to a nearby hilltop, but federal shot-clock deadlines (day 141 of 150) forced a decision now. The commission approved it with a condition pushing the tower as far north — and away from homes — as the parcel allows.
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.
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.
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.
Verizon Wireless facility on Gyle Road
Verizon Wireless sought a use permit for a facility on Gyle Road, with staff identifying environmental effects that would be reduced through a Mitigated Negative Declaration. The commission was to hold a public hearing before deciding.
Sheriff's Office staffing and operations actions
Sheriff Dave Kain brought five separate items to the regular agenda — a personnel resolution and four action items — covering sheriff's office staffing and operational needs.
County Supervisor Investigation
Local supervisors just dropped the results from an independent probe into some serious leadership drama. This peek behind the curtain could shake up how our county government actually runs day-to-day.