Calaveras County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Calaveras County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
West Point library services
The library director said staffing is so thin she may have to close a branch on any given day, and the Board found $59,000 to restore an 18-hour position serving Arnold and Murphys. A bookmobile position is being funded for one year by the Friends of the Library.
Suicide prevention and recovery awareness
The Board proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Happens Month, with a county substance use supervisor sharing the loss of his brother and a community recovery event set for September 22 at Turner Park.
Wildfire Fatality
A tragic wildfire in Calaveras County destroyed a local home and claimed a resident's life. It's a stark wake-up call about how fast and deadly neighborhood fires can be.
O'Byrns Ferry Bridge partnership grant
Public Works announced a partnership with Calaveras COG, Tuolumne County and Calaveras County agencies on a Caltrans strategic planning grant to finally improve the O'Byrns Ferry Bridge, with a support letter coming to the Board next meeting.
Murphys library children's garden and library funding
Murphys Volunteer Library leaders asked the Board for permission to build a fully funded children's garden with zero cost to the county, and warned that proposed cuts to bookmobile and courier driver positions would hit seniors hardest, especially since the West Point library closed.
Microenterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKOs)
Resident Jay McBride asked the board to adopt California's Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations framework, letting residents legally sell meals from home kitchens, and suggested forming a local food committee.
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 Health Officer Oversight
A local physician questioned taxpayer spending on the county health officer position, including qualifications, residency, hours, and contract oversight, and asked the Board to put contract oversight on a future agenda.
County Archives Funding
The historic 46 Main Street archives building needs about $340,000 in repairs, isn't ADA accessible, and can't control temperature and humidity, putting historic records at risk. Supervisors explored adding a new building behind it, using the Huddart building basement, and interim protective measures.
Free recycling events across the county
Six free drop-off events this summer — funded by a $299,608 state grant — will take tires, appliances, mattresses and more in Copperopolis, Valley Springs, Arnold, West Point, San Andreas, and Angels Camp.
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.
Supervisor Stopper residency eligibility challenge
A public commenter publicly alleged Supervisor Stopper has lived outside District 5 during his term and urged him to resign, citing potential Elections Code violations — a controversy shadowing his reelection bid.
Cal-Waste refuse rate increase
The county formed a two-supervisor committee (Tofanelli and Andahl) to negotiate with Cal-Waste over the trash hauler contract, while pausing the commercial waste fee study to take a broader look at operations.
AB 310 Youth Sports AED Requirements
A new state law requires youth sports groups to have CPR-trained coaches by 2027 and AEDs at practices and games starting 2028. Chair Stopper worries volunteer leagues can't afford the equipment and wants the county to explore funding help.
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.