Mendocino County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mendocino County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
First Quarter Budget Report and FY 2026-27 Budget Amendments
The Board adopted the third-quarter budget amendment for the current year and got its first look at the preliminary 2026-27 budget — a preview of what services and staffing the county can afford next year.
Permanent County CEO appointment
The county is working on filling its top administrative job — the CEO who runs day-to-day county operations. The board discussed the appointment behind closed doors and announced no hire, so the position's status remains up in the air.
County Executive and Legal Leadership Appointments
The board is weighing performance reviews for four department heads and appointments to two top county jobs, including Chief Executive Officer and County Health Officer. Who fills these roles shapes how county services are run day to day.
Labor Negotiations with County Employee Unions
Nearly 20 employees and union reps pleaded for a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, saying county workers qualify for food assistance, can't afford local housing, and that the county's 1% offer and cut to longevity pay would drive staff away.
1% Road Sales Tax for November 2026 Ballot
Transportation is developing a special sales tax measure for roads, with a July 7 board presentation and a public comment page on the county website.
FY 2026-27 final budget adoption
The proposed budget is balanced only with $2.59 million in one-time funds, and supervisors acknowledged it doesn't include likely union settlement costs, HR 1 federal cuts, or financial system fix costs. Final adoption is set for June 23.
Property tax assessment backlog and financial roadmap
The county has 5,000+ unprocessed property assessment events, 1,300 past the deadline to bill — costing the county, schools, and cities revenue. A consultant laid out a 3-year, $3-5 million fix including re-implementing the county's financial system.
Federal Medicaid/IHSS Funding Deferral
Washington deferred over $1 billion in Medicaid reimbursement to California tied to In-Home Supportive Services as part of an anti-fraud review. Local IHSS keeps running for now, with 2,513 recipients and 2,447 providers watching closely.
Delinquent Cannabis Business Tax Cleanup
The board moved to write off millions in delinquent cannabis taxes, offer amnesty on interest and penalties, and scrap the minimum tax that small growers say is bankrupting them. Starting 2027, everyone pays a flat 2.5% of sales. Dissenting supervisors worried about lost revenue and repeatedly softening a voter-approved tax.
State audit findings
Staff presented the finalized county audit and the California State Auditor's report on Mendocino County. How the county responds could affect its fiscal oversight and credibility.