Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tuolumne County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in environment
Air Pollution Control District FY 2026/2027 budget hearing
The district's budget grows $151,060 but stays self-funded with no general fund support, with expanded wood stove replacement vouchers and a new engineering consulting contract for permitting.
PG&E 10-Year Electrical Undergrounding Plan support letter
The board wants more undergrounding in Tuolumne County but split over a PG&E-drafted letter asking the CPUC to approve its 10-year plan. Critics worry ratepayers will pay for the most expensive option while PG&E profits; the final letter adds a push for cheaper alternatives.
Jamestown Mine Site remediation extension to 2041
The county extended its 2006 mine remediation judgment to 2041, paying $120,000 a year while roughly 300 gallons per minute of contaminated groundwater must be evaporated. Supervisors discussed pursuing revenue-generating uses like solar or small data centers on the site.
USDA Forest Service Good Neighbor Agreement — $4.14 million
The county nearly put its $1.6M-a-year forest program management contract out to bid, prompting warnings that the YSS collaborative would withdraw support and millions in grant funding would be at risk. The board extended the contract 4-1 with a new 10% cost cap.
TPPA energy conservation program revisions
The Board, acting as the Tuolumne Public Power Agency, was scheduled to approve revisions to the energy conservation program.
California wildfire and outdoor recreation strategy adopted
The county adopted the state's Joint Strategy for Sustainable Outdoor Recreation & Wildfire Resilience as a guiding document — mostly symbolic, but it positions the grant-reliant county to compete for Prop 4 and other funding for trails, microparks, and fuel breaks.