Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tuolumne County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
12 issues with high priority
FY 2026-27 road repair and rehabilitation project list
Supervisors want to put roughly $3 million of the budget contingencies toward paving interior neighborhood roads, split among the five districts, with possible sheriff work crews for brushing. Final numbers come back September 22.
Navigation Center homeless services at two-year mark
The Navigation Center has served 172 people since opening in 2024, with 63% exiting to stable housing versus a 25% state average. But a speaker described being discharged back to living in her truck, arguing write-up rules push vulnerable people onto the street.
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.
2026 Primary Election Results
It's election day and turnout was already over 45% by mid-morning, with all ten drop boxes and five vote centers open until 8 p.m. A publisher also challenged the county's 100-foot electioneering boundary measurement.
Deputy Sheriffs' Association 2026-2028 labor agreement
Union and county employees spoke about stalled negotiations, healthcare costs jumping from $65 to $851 a month for one worker, flex days, and a feared county imposition — before a closed-session bargaining session.
Waste Management collection changes on private roads
A Sonora resident said Waste Management stopped driveway pickup on her private road, forcing residents to haul cans over a mile to Highway 108 for the same price, and asked the county to revisit the franchise.
Continued local health emergencies from Dove Fire and TCU Lightning Complex debris
The Board continued both the local state of emergency and the local health emergency tied to the TCU September Lightning Complex Fire, keeping hazardous debris cleanup authority and state assistance in place.
Data center rules for Tuolumne County
Supervisor Campbell wanted a 45-day emergency moratorium on data centers; the board instead voted 5-0 to have staff draft actual rules covering water, power, siting, and fees for these huge facilities.
Sheriff's Office technology upgrade and AI surveillance concerns
A resident presented research urging the Sheriff to reject Axon license plate readers, camera-network software, drones and AI report-writing tools, citing privacy and accuracy concerns. The Sheriff had challenged the public to weigh in.
PG&E PSPS event and future shutoff policy
PG&E outlined last week's shutoff that hit 7,255 customers; supervisors Kirk and Brandon pressed for answers on why power was cut on a calm day and want a follow-up agenda item on claims and pre-staging.
East Sonora commercial rezoning (T-Five Ranches)
Leftover bypass parcels near Mono Way and Standard Road were rezoned to General Commercial, opening the door to commercial development in East Sonora.
Transition from leased to county-owned facilities
The county pays roughly $250,000-$270,000 a year in rent and budgeted $1.5 million to move departments into county buildings, including the historic courthouse with a leaking roof. Supervisors pushed for faster action after a similar plan failed by one vote years ago.