Tehama County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
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.
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.
AJR 23 — splitting inland California into a new state
Congressman Gallagher asked counties to support a constitutional process to form a new state, citing water, wildfire, wolves, and lack of representation. Supervisors expressed a range of views — some supportive, some skeptical — and agreed to bring a letter of support to a future meeting.
Elected Department Heads Negotiations
Auditor-Controller Krista Peterson said the elected department heads just want a chance to talk with the board about their compensation. The board agreed Chair Walker and Vice Chair Jones will meet with them privately as negotiators and bring options back — possibly tying elected salaries to the management salary schedule so it isn't renegotiated every contract cycle.
Meeting continuity despite audio system failure
The chamber's audio system failed right after the meeting started and couldn't be fixed, meaning the public couldn't hear or stream the meeting for most of the session. The Board used a state open-meeting law provision to keep going after a one-hour wait.
Microsoft O365 software purchase for Social Services
Social Services wants to skip formal bidding and spend up to $265,000 over three years on 200 Microsoft O365 subscriptions and server licenses from SHI International. The county says it's needed for security, compliance, and the state's new Child Protective Services case management system arriving in October 2026.
Elections costs and second special election
The special election for the late Congressman LaMalfa's congressional seat will cost Tehama County about $115,000, with no state reimbursement expected because it stems from a vacancy rather than a state-called election.