Board of Supervisors | 2.3.2026

by | Feb 23, 2026 | Get Involved, Stay Informed, Your Opinion Matters

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This board meeting included two presentations. The first presentation was an update from the U.S. Forest Service. The second presentation involved a proclamation recognizing National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Updates were provided by our Sheriff, CAO, each member of the board of supervisors, and both the Tourism Funding and Cannabis Tax Ad Hoc Committees.

All four items on the Consent Calendar were approved, as were the six items listed under County Matters. Three items were addressed in Closed Session.

A. PRESENTATIONS

A.1. Clerk of the Board – Receive an update from U.S. Forest Service representatives regarding matters of interest in Trinity County.

  • Tara Jones | District Ranger
  • Provided updates regarding projects, staffing, fuel burning, timber sales, roads, etc.
  • Highlights included active work with the Trinity River Lumber Company.
  • Thanked CalTrans for cooperation on roadside projects.
  • Adjusting tree marking protocol in response to community feedback.
  • Work continues on installing additional cameras for wildfire monitoring.
  • Minersville Board Ramp – now moving into the next stage.
  • There will be 1039 temporary (six-month) hires this year.
  • Partner Appreciation Event – will take place in April.

A.2. Health and Human Services – Public Health – Adopt a proclamation recognizing the month of February 2026 as National Children’s Dental Health Month. 

  • Kirsten Ford & Caitlyn Noble
  • Shared information about the importance of oral health, especially in children.
  • Early education, awareness, access to care, supplies – all are part of the initiatives planned and underway.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.
B. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Wireless Communications Project – shared information about a project being considered by the Planning Commission. Shared information about impacts experienced by her family, as a residence near an existing installation. Asked for transparency regarding findings, ordinance authority, etc. Asked the board to make time for a presentation from concerned individuals on a future agenda.
  • Wireless Communications Project – shared request for collaboration. Shared information about FCC actions and an outstanding court order for updated information. Shared concerns about negative health effects from current parameters. Urged the board to address concerns before moving forward with these projects.
  • Emergency Communications System – shared concern regarding what he perceives as a lack of expediency.
  • Wireless Communications Project – shared concerns regarding the potential for negative health impacts from these projects. Feels that decisions made in 1996 do not account for 5G services now being deployed. Shared concerns about potential fire hazards, loss of property values, etc.
C. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

C.1. Report from Department Heads

  • Sheriff Saxon
    • Emergency Communications System – acting with $180,000 from the state to review, repair, and assess long term needs. This funding came from county outreach to Senator McGuire in previous years. Reports received and reviewed for all but the Ironside site (due to access limitations). Determined the highest priorities and contacted Day Wireless (our provider) for a detailed bid on required work. Priority was placed on challenges experienced in the Lewiston area, as this VFD is experiencing the most problems. Expect quick response from Day Wireless. Oregon Mountain, Hayfork, and Carville are on the top of the list.
    • Supervisor Gogan asked for explanation of decision regarding placement of license plate readers in the county.
    • Supervisor Cox noted outreach for additional funding and requested that additional information about funding requirements be shared as quickly as possible.

C.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

  • CAO Trent Tuthill
    • Sate Budget – analysis continues and staff may come to the board for letters of support and/or opposition.
    • Trindell & Insurance – initial increases are not as high as feared, though additional increases are expected due to significant claims.

C.3. Reports from Members of the Board of Supervisors

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • CSAC New Supervisor Institute – have been invited to join the New Supervisors Institute Advisory Group. This group will help guide and modernize the New Supervisors Institute curriculum. It will involve two trips to Sacramento and a number of virtual meetings over the next six months.
    • Cannabis Tax Ad Hoc Committee – completed research, documented input and findings, formulated a recommendation… all of which is part of today’s agenda.
    • Tourism Funding Ad Hoc Committee – developed a timeline to support plans for quarterly authorization of funds. Met with representatives of the Trinity County Chamber of Commerce to review the timeline and answer questions about county expectations.
    • Tourism Development Committee – I am in touch with Civitas Advisors and county staff regarding plans to renew TBID efforts. Civitas agreed to modify our agreement so that we can proceed without using all remaining funds in one month. I am working with Terri McBrayer to review updated TOT data to ensure we use the most current information in our final efforts. I ask that all Supervisors ensure that their appointees to this committee are prepared to support this initiative in 2026.
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • RCRC Meeting
      • The Secretary of Agriculture presented information to attendees. Noted Farm-to-School opportunities, reduction in trade with China, Healthcare focus, diminishing funding for Fairgrounds,
      • Ad Hoc Reports, State & Federal Legislation Updates, etc.
      • Retention Ad Hoc – she continues to be involved.
    • District 5 Roads – toured the roads in this district
    • Logging Conference later this week in Anderson
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • Hayfork Homeless Count – participated in this “point in time” event.
    • Hmong Celebration – participated in their annual event that includes the change in leadership.
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Tribal & Fire Safe Council Meetings – focused on forest management, fuels reduction, and wildfire prevention.
    • U.S.F.S. Chief visiting Trinity County – she will join Supervisor Cox for the visit and tour.
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield
    • Fairgrounds Meeting – participated in their recent meeting. Funding remains a concern  but everyone is working together to make it happen. Volunteers are needed for grounds maintenance.
    • Seed Exchange – participated in a local event. Anticipates more focus on farming in District 5.
    • Volunteer Fire Department – meeting with them soon.
    • Department Head Meetings – continue to meet.

C.4. Reports from Ad Hocs

• Tourism Funding – approved distribution of funds to all entities, including the first quarter funding for the Trinity County Chamber of Commerce. Finalized the agreement with Two Six Digital. The Trinity County Chamber of Commerce will schedule the sessions. Others will be able to listen in and to view recordings of the sessions. We are still working to schedule our first quarterly meeting to review results and plans.

• Cannabis Tax – as noted, the committee’s recommendation and all supporting materials are included in the backup materials for today’s agenda. The materials include summaries of public input, the content of emails sent to cannabistaxinput@trinitycounty.org, financial analyses, and more. Unless the board determines that additional support is required, this committee can be dissolved after today’s decision regarding this matter.

D. CONSENT CALENDAR

The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar as presented.

E. COUNTY MATTERS

E.1. Agriculture – Introduce and waive the reading of an ordinance establishing Code Section 8.23 prohibiting Industrial Hemp Cultivation. No fiscal impact.

  • Angela Blanchard | Agriculture Commissioner
  • Shared background information regarding this matter, including the results of a public survey.

Public Comment

  • Process Concerns – shared that the public deserves ample notice and public discussion. Shared a proposed change to the process for this matter.
  • Support – Offered support for the proposed ordinance. Noted that prohibiting Hemp supports the existing Cannabis industry. Shared concern regarding how federal regulations will address the distinction between hemp and cannabis classifications and regulations. Need to remain flexible.
  • Clarification – noted that the similarities between Hemp & Cannabis makes monitoring and regulation tricky. Supports the ordinance because it protects cannabis industry participants from cross-pollination impacts. Need to remain flexible.
  • Possible Amendment – suggests a two year sunset rather than permanent approach due to ongoing regulatory work at the state and federal level.
  • Clarification – provided insight on the distinction between Hemp & Cannabis. Noted that the proposed ordinance will take the place of the ordinance that currently bans Hemp. Suggests further consideration before approving, and prefers a sunsetting approach.

Board Questions & Answers

  • Information provided by current and previous Agriculture Commissioners, and our Community Development Director
  • A new EIR would likely not be required
  • There are three distinctive
  • The county would be required to monitor the timing of cultivation – noting that timing plays a big role.
  • Shared that counties that previously chose to allow Hemp have shared regrets and noted significant enforcement/monitoring costs.
  • Shared information about concerns related to the much less regulated Hemp cultivation industry. Noted that Hemp cultivators often add to their end product so that it has similar traits to the much more regulated Cannabis industry.
  • Existing ordinance was put in place with a 5 year sunset, which ends soon.
  • Cross Pollination Concerns – this is a concern across many crops, not just Hemp and Cannabis. Hemp plant pollen can destroy nearby Cannabis crops. The pollen can travel miles.

Board Discussion

  • Included concerns regarding potential Hemp impact on Cannabis, water supply demands, etc.
  • Support was offered for both the permanent and sunset approaches.

The board approved this matter as presented.

E.2. Board of Supervisors – Consider the recommendation of the Cannabis Tax Ad Hoc and adopt a resolution approving a temporary reduction in cannabis cultivation tax rates for calendar year 2026. Potential loss of revenue in an unknown amount.

  • Supervisors Leutwyler & Gogan presented the matter

Public Comment

  • Offered support for this recommendation. Share information about neighboring counties’ efforts and experience in losing a large portion of their program participants. Shared concern about the staff’s ability to track wholesale prices. Encouraged the board to consider ordinance changes and other measures to remove roadblocks that will support the industry in Trinity County. Would prefer to see taxes taken to zero.
  • Suggested that the board consider a longer-term approach to the reduction, noting all the work required to revisit each year.
  • Appreciates work and approach. Feels the economic impact is greater based on the “turnover” of the funds in the local economy. Noted that fixed costs of operation don’t change. Advocates for reduction to zero. Noted that this is the only industry in Trinity County that is separately taxed.
  • Noted that 90% of participants in public meetings asked for the tax to be reduced to zero. Feels that the county should reduce the tax to zero. Shared that she, and many other cultivators, are reducing the scope of operations.
  • Appreciation offered for the board’s quick response. Believes this is a good first step. This proposal will help those who have product stored, but it does not address concerns about future cultivation/sales. Would like more clarity regarding the proposed annual process.
  • Believes this is better than nothing, would prefer to see the tax rate reduced to zero.

Board Discussion

  • Two motions were presented. One to support the recommendation. One is to reduce the tax rate to zero for two years. The second motion failed due to lack of a second.
  • A historical perspective was shared regarding the introduction of the tax, previous reductions, etc.
  • Shared that PUD is reporting ongoing increases in power demands.
  • Believes that the voting public put the tax in place. Feels that the public should be engaged in any decision about changing the tax. Stated that Cannabis Equity Funds could be used to support putting a new tax measure on a future ballot.
  • Supervisors shared their perspectives regarding the recommendation.
  • Program participants contribute significantly to the county through property taxes. Shared belief that not reducing the taxes would lead to more failures, more abandoned properties, and the loss of property taxes and property values.
  • Concerns were shared about board decisions that impact a ballot measure approved by the public.
  • Noted that businesses that supply program participants have also lost a lot of revenue. Some of these have noted that they don’t have a tax break.
  • A third motion was presented – focused on the introduction of a new tax measure. This motion received a second.
    • A new tax measure would be drafted by program participants and placed on the November election
    • The tax measure would be drafted so that, if approved, its impact would be retroactive to January 1, 2026.
  • Discussion about moving forward with the recommendation AND moving forward with a ballot measure.
  • The second motion on the table was withdrawn and replaced by another motion.
    • Support the resolution as submitted with the following changes
      • Remove the section that calls for review/reset in one year.
      • The reduction would end in one year.
    • This motion was subsequently withdrawn.
  • Another motion was approved and seconded. This motion mirrored the original motion, with the expiration date changed to December 31, 2027.
  • Supervisor Leutwyler shared this content from our current tax language – “The cannabis business tax shall be levied at a rate not to exceed the maximum rates approved by the voters. The Board of Supervisors may, by ordinance or resolution, set the tax rate at any amount at or below the maximum rate, and may adjust, reduce, or suspend the tax rate for any period of time, provided the rate does not exceed the voter-approved maximum.”
  • The board approved this motion as presented.

E.3. Clerk/Recorder/Assessor/ Elections – Receive an overview of the Assessment Appeals Process. No fiscal impact.

Madelyn Woodman presented this matter.

  • 90 appeals outstanding. 76 from 2024, 23 from 2025. 4 withdrawals have been requested.
  • Two year timeframe for resolution of appeals is part of regulations. The hearing must take place within this two year timeframe.
  • Comparable Sales – this is the method by which county staff/appraisers establish property values for tax purposes.
  • Explained the appeal process.
  • Does not expect appeal hearings prior to July.
  • County Board of Equalization – Supervisors are authorized to act as the Board of Equalization. If the board chose to appoint others, they would have to complete a 12-hour training program and pass (80% correct) a test.

Public Comment

  • Information shared that other jurisdictions move more quickly through the appeal process. Shared concern that no hearings are anticipated before July, noting the financial impact on the property owner. Asked for a more timely response. Encouraged more staff communication and engagement with any agent of the property owner.

Board Discussion

  • The county has two years to respond to/resolving appeals.
  • Timeframes for responding start with the date the appeal is received.
  • Property owners are responsible for paying during the appeal process.
  • Refunds are issued if the appeal reduces the amount already paid.

E.4. Clerk of the Board – Authorize the Chairman to sign the declaration agreement for the 2025 Trinity County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update. No fiscal impact.

  • Skylar Fisher | Firesafe Council Coordinator for the Trinity County RCD
  • Shared information regarding the plan – objectives, process, findings, recommendations, plans, etc.
  • Significant changes/additions reflected in this plan update.
  • Action Plans included to support/reflect priorities
  • July 2025 Partner Meeting – robust discussions and strong input.
  • Five Community Meetings – included “evacuation board games”
  • Multiple organizations are being asked for endorsement – not just the Board of Supervisors.

Board Discussion

  • The Resident’s Action Plan was highlighted. This can be found on page 163 of the Wildfire Protection Plan and page 301 of today’s agenda packet.

Public Comment – None

The board approved this matter as presented.

E.5. County Administrative Office – Receive an update on the Trinity County 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. No fiscal impact.

  • CAO Trent Tuthill
  • We are still in the early adoption/implementation phase of this plan.
  • Encourages the board to continue supporting the strategic planning process
  • Communication & Engagement – highlighted this as an area with measurable progress. 380+ followers on social media
  • General Plan & Housing Element – another area of strong progress. The Housing Element is complete, and the General Plan is on schedule to be complete by the end of 2026.
  • TOT Funds – highlighted the new process implemented this year.
  • CEQA & Cannabis Program – significant strides made in these areas. Holding steady at 330+ participants. Ordinance updates coming this year.
  • Information Technology – concerted efforts (and progress) regarding cybersecurity.

Public Comment – None

Board Discussion – Supervisors voiced interest in a deeper dive. CAO Tuthill to determine the best way to make that happen.

E.6. County Administrative Office – Receive a mid-year budget review for FY 25/26. No fiscal impact.

  • CAO Tuthill
  • Department heads and financial staff joined the meeting
  • Overall, we are in a good position.
  • Exceptions were highlighted in the document, evaluated, and plans (where appropriate) noted.
  • No requests for contingency to date, some are expected before the end of the fiscal year.
  • Suzie Hawkins
  • Highlighted situations in which less than 40% of revenues have been generated and/or expenses are at or above 55%.
  • Timing associated with reporting explain most of the variances.
  • Deeper dive meetings will be held with a handful of departments. These will help us better understand the reason for variances, to assess potential year end impacts, discuss actions that can be taken to minimize financial shortfalls, and to prepare contingency requests – as needed.
  • Community Development Department – several divisions within this department will participate in the deeper dive meetings.
  • Insurance Variance – the significant variance reflects timing issues.
  • Insurance Cost Expectations – we don’t expect a bigger increase than we experienced last year. Some increases are expected – both due to industry trends and recent claims.

Public Comment

  • Appreciation offered to CAO Tuthill for keeping things on track. Encouraged consideration of a 1% sales tax initiative that could address anticipated revenue shortfalls.

Board Discussion

  • Support offered for all the great work done by staff to stay on track and to support this mid-year review process.

Prior Closed Session Report

  • Direction was given to the staff

 

F. CLOSED SESSION

Public Comment

  • Referenced item F.2. Feels this reference is insufficient, and that regulations require the case title to be included in documentation.

F.1. Government Code Section 54954.5(b) – Real Property Negotiations – Property: APN – 024-260-007-000 Agency Negotiators: Trent Tuthill, Margaret Long, Liz Hamilton and Jesse Ferguson Negotiating Parties: Dana Ryan Under Negotiations: Price and terms of payment

F.2. Government Code Section 54954.5(c) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation No. of Cases: One Case Number: 23CV014

F.3. Government Code Section 54954.5(f) – Labor Negotiations – County’s Designated Representatives: Laila Cassis, Margaret Long and Suzie Hawkins Employee Organizations: Skilled Trades Unit and the Professional Peace Officers Association

ADJOURN

 

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