Calaveras County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Calaveras County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
Gann Fire Local Emergency
The Board honored the Red Cross and volunteers who staffed shelters and helped evacuees during the August GAN fire, and a resident announced a September 20 'Calaveras Strong' fundraiser in Copperopolis for fire victims.
Snow response preparedness after February storms
Residents from Arnold and the Highway 4 corridor slammed the county's handling of the President's Day storm — roads went unplowed for days, communication broke down, and businesses closed for a week. Requests include a town hall, better equipment like snow blowers, and GPS tracking of plows.
OES Transition to Sheriff's Office
The county is moving OES from County Administration to the Sheriff's Office after grant-reporting failures created a possible $13 million deobligation and an overdue federal hazard mitigation plan. Supervisors backed the change while some urged protecting mitigation programs and district relationships.