Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.