Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tuolumne County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues with critical priority
Ambulance services update
Two veteran paramedics said Mercy's new 911 contract is failing: 90 open shifts this month, 16 experienced employees gone, and imported medics housed in hotels. County staff defended the transition and promised a full report soon.
Dove Fire Local Emergency
The Dove Fire burned about 220 acres near Highway 108 and Stockton Road, forcing around 1,400 evacuations and threatening over 800 structures. Ratifying the emergency keeps the county eligible for state and federal reimbursement, though the cost and structure losses are still being tallied.
County Workforce Vacancy Crisis and Retention
The county is running a persistent ~16% vacancy rate, lost about 100 employees in 2025 mostly over pay, and faces an 11.2% health premium hike in January. The Sheriff and DA warned of a shrinking candidate pool, and an employee publicly resigned over a contract she called a pay cut.
Groveland fire protection assessment
The county owns parcels inside the Groveland CSD and was asked how to vote its ballots on a new fire assessment costing the county $5,416 a year. Groveland residents urged supervisors to stay out of it, calling the assessment a 'forever tax,' while GCSD leaders defended it as the product of a 15-year financial plan. The board pulled the item rather than take a position.
FY 2026-2027 county budget
HHSA warned the governor's May revision cuts CalFresh and Medi-Cal administration, shifts costs to counties, and leaves indigent care unfunded — meaning counties may be asked to do more with less next fiscal year.
FY 2026-27 recommended budget
The county's next-year budget still leans on about $2.1 million of fund balance for ongoing operations, adds $725,000 for roads, and funds moving out of leased space. Supervisors sparred over fire cuts, soft tourism tax revenue, and the lack of staffing for big economic development projects.