Calaveras County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Calaveras County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Cannabis cultivation tax reduction extension
Chair Stopper wants to raise the cannabis cultivation tax by 10%, worth roughly $400,000, to help close the budget deficit. The ordinance will come to the Board on August 11, where growers' competitiveness concerns will be weighed.
Transient occupancy tax distributions to Chamber and Visitors Bureau
Tourism tax dollars fund chamber workshops, marketing, and a new employee-training reimbursement program; supervisors flagged weak event outreach, especially in District 4.
FY 2026-27 county budget adoption
The county faces an $8.7 million general fund deficit closed with one-time money, and department heads warned the cuts — to the Sheriff, DA, archives, library, planning and more — will mean slower service and public-safety risks. Final adoption is set for June 23.
Fire District Funding Reductions
The June budget cut TOT money that had gone to local fire districts, and firefighters, chiefs, and residents packed the hearing to demand it back. The Board restored about $500,000 using one-time funds, but warned the structural deficit means next year will be harder.
New California state movement and election contest notices
New California advocates submitted letters asking the Board to contest election certification over claims of non-citizen voting and promoted a July 28 Utica Park event. The Board took no action; no agenda item existed.
County Workforce Vacancies and Recruitment (AB 2561)
Hiring social workers and eligibility staff can take months under the state merit system. The county wants out, and labor groups are on board.
Building department fee restructuring
Permit fees are going up for builders and food operators — the first comprehensive update since 2018 — though cannabis cultivation fees drop sharply under a streamlined process. The changes aim to cover actual service costs.
County retirement incentive program
Long-serving county employees can now get $25,000-$35,000 to retire voluntarily — a workforce and budget strategy ahead of a tough fiscal year.
2026 Labor Negotiations Framework
The Board set its bargaining team and ground rules for this year's union negotiations, naming outside negotiator Che Johnson. With employee costs rising faster than revenues, these negotiations will shape the county's budget picture.