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.
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.
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.
Performance evaluations of department heads
The Board evaluated several top officials behind closed doors, including the Interim CEO, Agricultural Commissioner, Air Quality Pollution Officer, and Public Defender. Outcomes stay confidential unless they affect employment.
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.
AB 2494 opposition letter
The Board voted 4-1 to oppose AB 2494; Supervisor Norvell dissented.
2026-27 Property Tax Rates
The Board formally set the county's tax rates for the coming fiscal year.
Anticipated Litigation Against the County
The Board got briefed in private on litigation exposure involving multiple cases. Details stay confidential, but outcomes could carry costs for the county.
CEO salary increase to $300,000
Facing a second failed recruitment, the Board raised the advertised CEO salary to a $250,000–$300,000 range, passing 3-2. Dissenting supervisors argued the 20% bump next to staff's 3% raise sends the wrong message, while supporters said the higher ceiling is the only way to attract qualified candidates.
Grand Jury response on Planning and Building oversight
The Board approved its response to two 2025/2026 Grand Jury reports examining Board oversight of Planning and Building Services, and disbanded the ad hoc committee that drafted it.
City of Ukiah proposed annexation and tax sharing
Sheriff Kendall warned annexation would cost a deputy's worth of funding (~$150,000) in year one; Supervisor Mulheren accused the CEO's analysis of telling only one side and called for a full, independent analysis of costs and savings.
Fiscal Transparency and the $30 Million Uncollected Revenue Question
Supervisors Mulheren and Williams pressed for better financial reporting on road spending, and Supervisor Haschak flagged public confusion about roughly $30 million in uncollected county revenue flagged in a state audit. Staff said the financial system needs years of work before full transparency is possible.
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.
Lodging Business Improvement District assessment for FY 2026/27
The county will keep collecting the BID assessment with a June 23 hearing set, but supervisors pressed Visit Mendocino to fix its neglect of inland tourism and directed staff on ordinance changes returning election and board powers to the organization.
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.