Mendocino County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mendocino County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Ukiah Area Trash Capture Devices
A $205,000 construction contract would install trash capture devices to keep litter out of local waterways around Ukiah.
Renewal of Climate and Tree Mortality Emergency Declarations
The board renewed its local emergency declarations for tree mortality and climate change, keeping the county eligible for related response tools and funding.
Sea level rise and coastal plan update
The county is developing baseline sea level rise policies for its coastal General Plan element.
Water and Sewer Rate Increase
Willits residents will see higher water and sewer bills starting in October after the City Council approved a 6.5% water rate hike and a 6% sewer rate increase. If you live in Willits, this is a direct hit to your monthly utility bill.
Waterless composting toilets for rural areas
A possible voluntary pilot would let rural residents use container-based composting toilets where septic isn't feasible. Any plan must come back to the Board before implementation.
2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan
The Board adopted the updated hazard mitigation plan, keeping the county positioned for federal disaster mitigation and recovery funding.
Secure Rural Schools Title III project funding
The Board directed staff to partner with the Resource Conservation District and Fire Safe Council to rank and fund fire prevention and related projects with $219,000 in federal Title III funds.
Air Quality fee schedule CPI adjustments
Sitting as the Air Quality Management District, the Board set a process for annual inflation-based adjustments to air pollution control permit fees following a public hearing.
Glassy-winged sharpshooter contamination from Costco shipments
Infested grapevines from a Fresno nursery were shipped to the Ukiah Costco over a month before detection, threatening the county's wine grape industry with Pierce's disease. About 15 trace-forward plants located so far.
Neglected and abandoned vineyards
Abandoned vineyards are becoming reservoirs for powdery mildew, viruses and pests that threaten working growers. The board told the Ag Commissioner to enforce minimum standards, leaning on education first and new AB 732 civil penalties as a backstop.
Termination of Ameresco Energy Project and New Green Energy Ad Hoc
After years of trying, the county gave up on the Ameresco solar project because the finances no longer worked — federal tax credit timing was risky and Ukiah's cheap power plus no net metering made savings impossible. A new ad hoc will explore solar on county parcels outside Ukiah and options with Sonoma Clean Power.