Board of Supervisors Meeting | 1.6.2026

by | Jan 11, 2026 | Uncategorized

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This board meeting started with confirmation of Supervisor Carpenter-Harris as the board chair for 2026. The board then received four presentations. Sadly, one presentation was cancelled due to the sudden and unexpected passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa. The board received updates from the Auditor/Controller, Sheriff, and the CAO. Each supervisor provided updates regarding recent and upcoming events. The board approved all items on the Consent Calendar and two items under County Matters. There were two items under Closed Session.

A. COUNTY MATTERS AM

A.1. Clerk of the Board – Pursuant to the County’s Governance Manual, confirm the seating of District 4 Supervisor Heidi Carpenter-Harris as Chairman and District 5 Supervisor Julia Brownfield as Chair Pro Tem (Vice-Chair).

  • The board approved this matter as presented.
  • Supervisor Heidi Carpenter-Harris is now Trinity County’s Chair of the Board of Supervisors

 

B. PRESENTATIONS

B.1. Clerk of the Board – Present the outgoing Chairman of the Board of Supervisors with an engraved gavel. No fiscal impact.

B.2. Board of Supervisors – Representative from Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s Office to present Trinity Alps Unified School District’s Retired Superintendent, Jaime Green, a proclamation recognizing his efforts in the reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools. 

  • Supervisor Carpenter-Harris shared that Congressman LaMalfa passed away last night.
  • Supervisor Cox shared that she spoke to staff members. They reported that they have a beautiful proclamation prepared for Jamie Green.

B.3. Clerk of the Board – Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) President and CEO Patrick Blacklock to present the RCRC 2025 President’s Award to Trinity Alps Unified School District’s Retired Superintendent Jaime Green, recognizing his efforts in the reauthorization of Secure Rural Schools. 

  •  Pat Blacklock shared the organization’s message of recognition and appreciation for Jamie Green’’s efforts in support of Secure Rural Schools. This is an annual award given by RCRC.

B.4. Clerk of the Board – Receive a presentation from Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) President and CEO Patrick Blacklock regarding the RCRC Strategic Plan.

  • Pat Blacklock shared the presentation included in the backup materials.
  • Predator Management: Noted the need for test cases/claims. Efforts are underway.
  • Jail Medical Services Study – Trinity County is involved in sharing information and results.
  • Medical – shared concern that people who can no longer access Medical will turn to the counties for support. Defunding of the Affordable Care Act took away funding that could have helped. There will be a huge advocacy effort to raise awareness and gain funding support.
  • 47 people have benefitted from Golden State Finance Authority benefits for home purchase.
  • Assist-to-Own Program – provides county staff with financial assistance in purchasing homes.
  • Golden State Natural Resources – covers treatment, biomass support, sustainability for biomass endeavors
  • Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority
  • Rural Advancement Institute – focuses on unique needs of rural counties
  • Supervisor Leutwyler shared concern (not about RCRC’s efforts) regarding the lack of follow through on promises related to high speed internet for all – as that is clearly not happening for Trinity County.
  • Supervisors acknowledged the great work done by RCRC on behalf of rural counties and Trinity County.

 

B.5. 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 an update
  • Shared praise for Jamie Green’s efforts on behalf of Trinity County
  • Big Ranch Project update
  • North Trinity County Risk Reduction Project
  • South County Project
  • The Watershed Center is supporting some of the USFS projects
  • Field Trip with partner agencies several times last year.
  • Weaverville Community Forest Fuels Break – working with partner agencies.
  • Fuels Management Projects – 75,000 acres
  • Prescribed Fires across the county as part of fuels cleanup
  • Timber Sales are underway and anticipated.
  • Five-Year Program of Work – updating the document now
  • Road Maintenance Update
  • Hyampom Road – additional meetings planned regarding ways in which the USFS can assist.
  • Staffing – Ben Sundall was promoted to District Ranger in another region. Expect to be fully staffed this fire season.
  • Supervisor Cox noted how impressive this list of work and accomplishments is. Shared concern/remorse for the litigation faced by the USFS regarding timber sales.

 

C. PUBLIC COMMENT
  • Multiple Concerns – shared perspective that staff appointments should not take place in closed session. Shared concern about the treatment of Supervisor Brownfield by other Supervisors. Shared concerns about road maintenance and budget priorities that place compensation increases over road maintenance.
  • New Community Member – pastor in Weaverville. Shared excitement about the future of Trinity County. Shared information about a new health care initiative that will include workshops focused on mental wellness. These are no-cost workshops open to the public.
  • Conduct – shared concerns regarding DOT Director comments about Supervisor Brownfield online during a break in the 12.16.2025 board meeting. Asked that this matter be placed on a future agenda that allows for public comment.
  • Brown Act Compliance & Public Records – shared concerns regarding use of closed session. Mentioned specific concerns regarding the handling of CAO recruitment. Shared concerns about the effective management of the Public Records Act.
  • Conduct – shared concerns regarding the manner in which Supervisor Brownfield was treated when raising her concerns about our roads. Referenced comments made online during break. Shared concerns regarding the lack of emergency communication services in Lewiston, CA.
  • Appreciation for Supervisor Gogan’s efforts on behalf of his district and Hayfork.  Welcomed Supervisor Carpenter-Harris to her new role as Chair. Hopes that we all do better this year… and every year.
  • Transparency, Courtesy, etc – shared perspective on how closed session should be used. Raised concerns about the effectiveness of managing the Public Records Act.
  • Conduct – shared perspective on appropriate conduct during board meetings.
  • Appreciation for Supervisor Gogan’s efforts – mentioned interest in a Douglass City community meeting. Shared thoughts about the conduct concerns mentioned previously. Called for everyone to reset and move forward in a better way.

 

D. REPORTS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

D.1. Report from Department Heads

  • Christine Gaffney | Auditor/Controller – provided an update
  • Sheriff Saxon:
    • Recruitment & Retention – noted ongoing issues with recruitment and retention. Shared information regarding recent experience with candidates dropping out late in the process.
    • Jail HVAC System – noted ongoing problems with the system. Recent problems lasted four weeks while we waited for parts.
    • Construction-related Issues – working with CAO on issues related to construction of the jail.
    • Emergency Communications – acknowledged ongoing challenges in Lewiston and Hayfork. Shared that California’s 911 system has significant problems. Efforts are underway – all tied to the direction the State takes. Noted follow up with Dispatch to better understand issues that are reported with “page outs.” Noted the item on today’s agenda regarding plans to address our aging emergency communications system.
    • Discussion regarding the previous retention bonuses offered to this group.

 

D.2. Report from County Administrative Officer

  • Emergency Communications – the initial assessment begins next week.
  • General Plan EIR – the process starts this week. January 20th board meeting will include a presentation regarding this process.
  • Zoning Code – Planning Commission Special Meeting in January to review the Zoning Code update. The board will then consider the matter in February.
  • Jail Health – progress continues on this matter.
  • Quality of Service Recognition – Jessica in the Assessor’s Office. Public response included adding “excellent” as a category to reflect Jessica’s efforts.

 

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

  • District 1 | Ric Leutwyler
    • Tourism Funding Ad Hoc Committee – completed the proposal that is part of today’s agenda.
    • NoRTEC Executive Committee Work – extensive ongoing engagement due to co-chair role.
    • Safety of Dam Releases – shared information about new releases that are focused on maintaining the safety of the dam.
    • Trinity Center Community Meeting regarding Residential Treatment Facility – meeting scheduled for Thursday evening.
  • District 2 | Jill Cox
    • Senator Schiff’s representative – met in December. Invited him for a two-day visit in March.
    • Forest Supervisor Birkey – met in Redding
    • Minersville Boat Ramp – continuing meetings
  • District 3 | Liam Gogan
    • Hayfork Homeless Encampments – working with community members on cleanup efforts. Strong collaboration with community members. Seeing some progress, still more cleanup required.
    • Town Hall Meeting on the 14th in Hayfork
    • Fairgrounds Board – Adrien Keys is retiring from his long-term role on the board. Sunday Stanley is expected to be his replacement.
  • District 4 | Heidi Carpenter-Harris
    • Natural Resources & Agriculture – meeting regarding our range lands and extension regarding forestry. Data collection is a priority as it informs future efforts. Noted the long term impact of fires on the land, including erosion, damage to roads, etc.
    • Hyampom Communications – primarily regarding road concerns.
    • Bear & Mountain Lion Presence – shared that there has been an increase in reported visits.
  • District 5 | Julia Brownfield
    • Few meetings since the last board meeting.

 

D.4. Reports from Ad Hocs

• Cannabis Tax Ad Hoc Committee – two meetings are planned for public input. Members of the public can also use a new email address to provide input – cannabistaxinput@trinitycounty.org.

    • Friday the 9th from 12:30 to 2:00 PM in Hayfork at the Fairgrounds, and
    • Wednesday the 14th from 12:30 to 2:00 in Weaverville, hopefully in Board Chambers of the Library.
    • Information will be published on the website, social media, etc.

• Tourism Funding Advisory Ad Hoc Committee

    • The committee completed the recommendations included in the backup material for today’s agenda.

Board Discussion

  • Supervisor Leutwyler noted that while supervisors have the right to pull an item from the Consent Calendar based on public requests, there are other opportunities for residents to learn about these items. In addition to reading all the backup material that accompanies the agenda, residents can reach out to staff via phone and email.
E. CONSENT CALENDAR

Public Comment

  • Request to pull E3 and E5. Shared view that minutes should reflect documents shared with the board. Also offered concern about documentation related to matters handled in Closed Session.
  • Request to pull E1, E4, and E5 for discussion.
  • Request to pull E1. Also asked for a future agenda item regarding emergency communications.

 

Board Discussion/Action:

  • The board pulled items E1, E3, E4, E5 for discussion.
  • The board approved all remaining items on the Consent Calendar as presented.
  • CAO Trent Tuthill shared that all matters on the Consent Calendar fit the criteria (routine and non-controversial).

 

E.1. Auditor/Controller – Approve establishing a new special revenue fund 124/Emergency Communications System. No impact on the General Fund.

  • Christine Gaffney & CAO Tuthill – this establishes a fund to use for the $180,000 received from the State (with Senator McGuire’s support) to assess the work required to improve our Emergency Communications System.
  • Public Comment
    • Concern about perceived disdain for public’s input regarding the desire for additional information on certain items.
    • Concern similar to those stated above.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

E.3. Clerk of the Board – Approve regular meeting minutes for December 16, 2025. No fiscal impact.

  • Public Comment
    • Material submitted by the public – feels that these should be reflected in the minutes. Feels that the record is not being accurately reflected in the minutes.
  • Board Discussion
    • Details were shared regarding what is and is not required by the Brown Act.
    • The board approved this matter as presented

E.4. County Administrative Office – Approve a budget adjustment for FY 25/26 for Emergency Communications System – Dept 8124 increasing Revenues by $180,000, Salary and Benefits by $13,600, and Services and Supplies by $35,000. No impact to the General Fund; increase in appropriations in Emergency Communications System – Fund 124 of $48,600.

  • CAO Trent Tuthill presented the item
  • Public Comment
    • Question asked about the position funded. This was answered by CAO Tuthill

E.5. Health and Human Services – Behavioral Health Services – Approve an agreement with Trinity County Office of Education regarding receipt and disbursement of Behavioral Health Student Services Act (BHSSA) funds. No impact to the General Fund; up to $2,500,000 from Behavioral Health grant funding.

  • Liz Hamilton | Director of Health & Human Services Agency.
  • Public Comment
    • Questions regarding why an item involving a large sum of money is considered “routine.” Questions about the involvement of the Office of Education.
  • The board approved this matter as presented.

 

F. COUNTY MATTERS

F.1. Board of Supervisors – Consider the Tourism Funding Ad Hoc Committee’s funding recommendations and provide direction to staff regarding the allocation of budgeted funds. No additional fiscal impact; overall funding amount already adopted in the final FY 25/26 budget.

  • Supervisor Leutwyler – presented this matter.
  • Public Comment
    • A question was raised about the timing of quarterly meetings.
    • Comments from a member of the Trinity County Chamber regarding the decision to not allocate the full amount. Request to set aside the remaining funding for paid staff to support the increased expectations of this group.
    • Comments from Weaverville Chamber. Offered appreciation for the work done by the committee.
  • Board Discussion
    • Quarterly Meetings – these should begin as soon as possible. The 2026/2027 budget process could result in additional funds being available for quarters that begin in the new fiscal year.
    • Unallocated funds – recommendation to move the remaining funds to the emergency communications account to support ongoing work to address concerns and provide a more effective system.
  • The board approved the committee’s recommendations, with an amendment allocating the remaining $5,500 to the newly created Emergency Communications account.
  • The ad hoc committee is now authorized to work with applicants regarding the release of funds.

F.2. Board of Supervisors – Appoint Supervisors to represent the county on various boards, commissions, committees and task forces for 2026. No fiscal impact.

  • Supervisor (Chair) Carpenter-Harris presented this matter. She explained that she reached out to each Supervisor to gain input regarding interest in assignments/appointments. She then led the process of choosing the primary, secondary, and alternate (when required) representatives for each committee/board. There are 42 committees/boards.
  • Direction was provided to staff to put the Supervisor’s travel budgets on a future agenda.
  • Public Comment
    • Comments acknowledging the contributions of Supervisors via these appointments
    • Comments similar to above.
Prior Closed Session Report 
  • County Counsel provided a report regarding the closed session of the previous board meeting.
G. CLOSED SESSION

Public Comment

  • Comments regarding item G.1. Concerns raised that the content of the agenda is insufficient. Shared perspective regarding what does and doesn’t qualify for consideration under Closed Session. Asked that additional information regarding these matters be provided.

 

G.1. Clerk of the Board – Government Code Section 54954.5(C) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation No. of Cases: 1 N/A

G.2. Government Code Section 54954.5(c) – Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation No. of Cases: 1 Estate of John Swain, et al. v. County of Trinity, et al. (Case No. 2:25-cv-00469-DMC)

ADJOURN

 

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