The Tehama County Board of Supervisors is set to address several pressing issues during their upcoming meeting on December 9. Among the key agenda items is a resolution regarding the potential introduction of wolves into the county, alongside discussions on restructuring the public guardian and behavioral health programs.
Josh Davy, the Ag Extension Director, will propose a resolution that opposes the introduction of wolves in Tehama County. This topic has gained traction in recent meetings, particularly after residents expressed concerns about wolf sightings and their potential impact on livestock. At the previous meeting in November, Thomas Moss, the county Agricultural Commissioner, discussed the possibility of hiring a trapper from the USDA Wildlife Services program to monitor wolf activity. While the latest quarterly report from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife did not confirm any livestock deaths attributed to wolves in the county this year, the presence of collared wolves near Mineral has heightened local anxieties.
The proposed resolution by Davy cites diminishing deer populations as a concern. He argues that with fewer deer available as prey, wolves may increasingly target livestock. This potential shift in predator behavior has prompted local officials to take a proactive stance on the matter.
Public Guardian Restructuring and Interim Leadership
The board will also discuss restructuring the roles of public guardian, public administrator, and public conservator within the social services department. This comes after the contract of former public guardian Melani Kain was not renewed, prompting her retirement after 13 years of service. Kain voiced her frustrations during public comments at the November 18 meeting, emphasizing the lack of transparency in the decision-making process surrounding her departure.
Currently, Bekkie Emery, the Social Services Director, is serving as the interim public guardian and public administrator. The agenda suggests increasing Emery’s salary by 15% to reflect the additional responsibilities she has taken on, pending a review of the need for an interim position.
Kain highlighted the importance of the public guardian role, which focuses on protecting the most vulnerable individuals in the community. As the board considers restructuring, it is essential for them to balance the needs of these individuals with the administrative challenges facing the county.
Behavioral Health Campus Presentation
Another significant item on the agenda is a presentation from Kimberly Johnson, CEO of the Shasta County-based ARCH Collaborative. Johnson will provide information on the True North Behavioral Campus, a proposed $200 million project aimed at enhancing behavioral health services. The project is expected to be funded through state grants available in spring 2024.
Despite initial opposition from some members of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors, support for the campus has resurfaced. At a prior meeting, Tehama County District 1 Supervisor Rob Burroughs suggested that Tehama County could consider taking on the contract for the campus, citing potential job creation and economic benefits for the region.
Johnson’s presentation will outline the campus’s objectives and its potential impact on Tehama County, emphasizing the importance of finding a suitable location to support the rural North State. The supervisors will be able to engage with the presentation, as it is linked on the meeting agenda.
Residents interested in attending the meeting can do so in person at the board chambers located at 727 Oak St., Red Bluff, starting at 09:00. There are also options for participation via phone or video, details of which are provided on the agenda available online at tehamacounty.legistar.com. Following the closing of applications for the vacant District 3 seat on December 9, a special meeting will be held on December 16 for interviews and the selection of a new supervisor. Community members are encouraged to submit questions for the interview process, promoting transparency and public involvement.
