Tehama County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
Sheriff and jail budget growth tied to jail expansion
The jail's daily population jumped from about 125 to 175 inmates, and the 64-bed expansion will push costs up another $269,000. Twelve correctional deputy positions were added mid-year but remain unbudgeted — roughly $1.5 million in future salary the county will phase in.
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
The county is close to fixing the Newville Road Bridge abutment and removing the one-lane Bailey Bridge; the new ordinance lets the Public Works Director buy easements quickly, with costs under $25,000.
Groundwater Fees and Flood Control
A resident warned that every property in 14 Northern California counties may face a well water fee even without a well, calling it discriminatory and possibly unconstitutional under the cost-of-service cap.
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.
Elected officials' 2.75% salary increase
County elected officials haven't had a raise since the 2022-23 compensation study while their assistants have, shrinking the pay gap ('compaction') and arguably discouraging future candidates. The Board leaned toward a one-time 2.75% raise plus permanently tying salaries to the management bargaining unit, at about $69,000 a year total cost ($57,000 from the general fund).
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.
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.
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.
Invasive mosquito found in Red Bluff
Health officials confirmed West Nile virus in sentinel chickens in Tehama County, with deaths already reported in Butte and Glenn counties. Officials urge DEET repellent, staying in at dawn and dusk, tight screens, draining standing water — and vaccinating horses, which are highly susceptible.
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.
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.
Cal-ID program status
Sheriff Kain reported the county is hiring a consultant with Proposition 26 expertise to determine whether the Cal-ID program can move forward legally.
Simpson Road Bridge erosion emergency
Tomes Creek's channel has shifted about 100 feet toward the Simpson Road Bridge's north abutment, and a strong El Niño winter could knock the bridge out. Losing it would add roughly an hour of daily driving for families and disrupt school buses, fire and EMS routes. The Board declared an emergency but tabled the free-gravel fix over bidding concerns.
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.
Evergreen Road Bridge Replacement Project completion
Public Works was scheduled to present a Notice of Completion for the Evergreen Road Bridge replacement, closing out the construction contract with J.F. Shea Construction. This is the final paperwork step after the bridge work wrapped up.
Board of Equalization matters before the Assessor
The annual tax rate resolution was adopted, fixing the rates that appear on county property tax bills for the coming year.
99W and South Main Street Improvement Project completion
Public Works was scheduled to present a Notice of Completion for the 99W and South Main Street improvement project built by S.T. Rhoades Construction, formally wrapping up the road improvements.
Flock camera program expansion
A resident objected to FLOCK automatic license plate reader cameras installed without a public vote, citing Fourth Amendment concerns and documented law enforcement misuse elsewhere, and asked that they be removed.
Employment programs for CalWORKs participants
Social Services sought an amendment to its contract with Express Employment Professionals to keep running a subsidized employment program for CalWORKs participants, raising the maximum contract to $667,350.
County Recommended Budget FY 2026-27
Eight county departments pitched their proposed budgets for next fiscal year. The Sheriff's Office and Jail alone want nearly $19 million in General Fund support, and supervisors are wrestling with rising overtime, equipment, and insurance costs against thin revenues.
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.
FY 2026-27 County Budget Adoption
The recommended budget carries a $6.8 million general fund deficit the county hopes to cover with carryover funds, after trimming it from $11.9 million through vacancy savings and revenue adjustments.
FY 2026-27 Property Tax Rates
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.
Sheriff's aviation budget dispute
Supervisor Zane wants an itemized public accounting of the Sheriff's helicopter program, which draws no General Fund money but uses AB 443 and forfeiture funds. Sheriff Kain defended the program's value and offered a full board presentation; Supervisor Hansen asked for it 'down the road.'
Bus Maintenance and Administrative Facility rehabilitation
A change order added nearly $40,000 for temporary power during electrical work at the transit facility, slightly exceeding the project budget — paid from Local Transportation Funds.
Solar permit fee cost recovery
A resolution on solar permit fees for Building, Fire, and Planning was pulled back for more public explanation. Critics said it conflicts with state solar permitting law and slammed excessive department fees.
European Grape Moth detection agreement
A state cooperative agreement was on the agenda for trapping the Asian citrus psyllid, an insect that threatens citrus trees. It would bring up to $8,837 in state funds to the county Agriculture Department.
Meals on Wheels service funding
The Board was scheduled to consider an interagency MOU funding up to $245,562 for Meals on Wheels meals through the Community Action Agency and Probation for the fiscal year. This program delivers meals to homebound residents.
Public Health Advisory Board appointments
The Board was scheduled to appoint several voting members and alternates to the Public Health Advisory Board, representing Rolling Hills Clinic, Social Services, and Environmental Health, plus accept a resignation.
Board and district appointments
The Board considered appointments to the Air Pollution Control District Hearing Board and the Public Health Advisory Board.
Grand Jury Report response
The grand jury found intimidation, bullying and poor communication in county leadership, and recommended mediation between the sheriff and chief administrator plus an ombudsman process. The board agreed to independent mediation by November 2 but signaled it won't promise what it can't deliver when elected officials have autonomy. A caller said the real problem is that existing rules go unenforced.
Rent Control Ordinance Ad Hoc Committee report
A corporate owner doubled rents and let maintenance slide at Bend Ferry Mobile Home Park, and the county is one of the last in California with no mobilehome rent regulation. Supervisors want a stronger, enforceable ordinance before voting.
Consolidation of Public Guardian/Public Administrator into Social Services Director
The board introduced a charter amendment making the Social Services Director also serve as Public Guardian and Public Administrator. A critic accused the county of consolidating the office before following the charter process; a public hearing is still required before final adoption.
Social Services Director salary increase
Alongside the consolidation, the Board raised Social Services Director Rebecca Emery's salary range from 66 to 72. Public speakers criticized the raise as lacking transparency.
Sheriff's Office staffing and operations
Five separate action items under Sheriff Dave Kain were on the agenda, likely covering staffing, contracts, and purchasing for the Sheriff's Office. Details are unknown without the meeting record.
City of Tehama road maintenance services
Multiple residents described clogged ditches causing flooding near Hogback and Dairyville, overgrown tree limbs damaging vehicles, and star thistle blocking sight lines — and questioned whether road crews will clear drains before a wet El Niño winter.
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.
Social Services Staffing Crisis and Benefits Delays
The county's annual AB 2561 hearing showed juvenile hall peace officer positions top 20 percent vacancy, prompting a meeting with the Chief Probation Officer to build a reduction plan.
Public safety ordinance
The Sheriff, District Attorney, and Probation Department jointly brought forward an ordinance for the Board's consideration. Details weren't available in the materials provided, but it's a coordinated public-safety measure worth watching.
Animal Care Center medical donation
The Animal Care Center stood to receive a $19,560.40 donation from the Paschek Living Trust for its medical fund — money that helps pay care costs for shelter animals. A nice boost for the county's animal services without touching the county budget.
Human trafficking victim advocacy grant
The District Attorney's office planned to apply for a $147,000 CalOES grant to support human trafficking advocacy work. Grant money means more victim services without raising local costs.
Air Pollution Control District resolution
Roughly $25,000 is left in the state wood smoke grant, but the air district plans a September 21 workshop on redirecting AB 617 incentive funds to keep vouchers flowing — up to $10,000 for a heat pump for eligible low-income households.
AB 481 Military Equipment Transparency
The sheriff's annual military equipment list — drones, ammo and more — was adopted 4-0. Sheriff Kain says most items are routine gear, the online public meeting drew no attendees and no complaints, and the full list is on the sheriff's website.
9/11 Memorial Monument at the Old Courthouse
Greg Laterell asked the board to back a brass 9/11 plaque near the old courthouse flagpole, with the Masonic Lodge helping fund it. Administration confirmed a donation agreement is already in motion, and Supervisor Burroughs is also pushing to light and replace the flagpole with volunteer labor.
Suicide Prevention and Teen Mental Health
A grieving mother told the board suicide is 'all too common' among local teens and asked for more than a month of recognition — more outreach, a safe place for teens to turn. The board adopted the awareness month proclamation, the sheriff pledged school-based prevention training, and Supervisor Walker pointed her to the Path Center's planned teen center.
WIC program funding increase
The county's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program contract got a proposed $72,579 bump, bringing total funding to about $3.05 million. That supports nutrition help for local families with young children.