Tehama County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tehama County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).