Tehama County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Behavioral health funding withhold resolved
The state threatened to withhold about $31,360 from the county's behavioral health funding over gaps in children's and adult outpatient psychiatric provider reporting. After a meet-and-confer and submitting 31 contracts, the county reached a preliminary resolution — no money lost.
TinderSmart Tehama wildfire preparedness
The free TinderSmart defensible-space program (14-month waitlist) and a new home-hardening education effort reached 710 residents and secured over $2 million in grants; SB 973 could make coordinator funding permanent.
Local Psychiatric Inpatient Beds via Butte County
A new agreement gets Tehama patients into Butte County's cheaper, county-owned psychiatric facility — faster placement out of the St. Elizabeth ER for people on 5150 holds.
Executive Director appointment, Health Services Agency
The county is moving on filling its top Health Services Agency job — the person who oversees public health services residents depend on. The Board met privately on the appointment and only said it gave direction to staff; no name or decision was announced.
Public nuisance enforcement at 5639 Hwy 99W, Corning
The commission was scheduled to hold hearings on Case No. CE-26-6 involving property at 5639 Highway 99W in Corning owned by Frank Johnson, including an appeal of a Notice of Violation and a proposed abatement resolution. If a nuisance were declared, the county could order cleanup and bill the owner for costs.
Certification of June 2, 2026 Primary Election Results
The Board made the June primary results official, declaring who won each county office — including two of its own members, Supervisors Zane and Hansen. This formally locks in county leadership for the coming term.
Fire Department funding and equipment replacement
The Fire Department needs about $1.6 million in carry-over funds next year, and faces steep replacement costs — a new fire engine now runs over $1.2 million and a water tender about $800,000. Volunteer recruitment and radio upgrades are ongoing concerns.
Mental health agreement amendments
The Board had a cluster of agreements scheduled on consent for psychiatric inpatient care and residential mental health treatment — including Vista Pacifica (up to $985,000) and Willow Glen Care Center (up to $1.6 million total). These contracts fund where county residents go for inpatient and residential care.